The other day, I was in the store with a tequila drinker who knew his way around a good tequila. He was looking to try something new. I asked if he considered a mezcal. “No, I don’t like smoky.” I tried to respond about different varietals and flavor profiles, but his mind was made up. So we moved on to finding him a tequila.
He’s not the first tequila drinker with this mindset. But, I would argue he’s missing out on a great spirit, some of which are indeed smokey, but with over 30 varietals used in production, combined with different terroirs and the generational proves of production, there is a full palate of flavor profiles available in the mezcal world.
Are you a tequila drinker who’s hesitant to try mezcal because of its reputation for being smoky? Or maybe you’ve tried a smoky mezcal in the past and didn’t enjoy it? If so, it’s time to re-think your approach to this unique spirit.
Not all Mezcals are Smoky
Contrary to popular belief, not all mezcals are smoky. While some mezcals have a smoky flavor due to the use of wood-fired ovens in the production process, many other mezcals have a completely different flavor profile. Over 30 varietals of agave, are used in mezcal production, combined with different terroirs and generational production techniques, creating a full palate of flavor profiles available in the mezcal world.
Mezcal is an excellent spirit if you’re a tequila drinker who enjoys exploring different flavor profiles. For example, some mezcals are made using a type of agave called Tobalá, which has a more floral and fruity flavor than the smokier agaves commonly used in mezcal production. This type of mezcal can be perfect for those who enjoy tequila’s floral and fruity notes.
Here are some of the most common mezcal flavor profiles and the varietals that are associated with them:
- Smoky: Mezcal made using wood-fired ovens often has a smoky flavor. The most commonly used agave for smoky mezcals is Espadín, which has a mild, smoky flavor with notes of citrus and earthy undertones.
- Fruity: Mezcals from the Barril agave varietal are known for their fruity notes, including flavors like tropical fruit, green apple, and pineapple.
- Floral: Mezcal made from the Tobalá agave varietal has a distinctive floral flavor profile, with notes of jasmine, orange blossom, and lavender.
- Herbaceous: The Arroqueño agave varietal produces a mezcal with a complex, herbaceous flavor profile. This can include notes of rosemary, mint, and thyme and hints of smoke and citrus.
- Sweet: The Cuixe agave varietal produces a mezcal with a sweet flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and tropical fruit.
- Earthy: Mezcal made from the Tepextate agave varietal is known for its earthy flavor profile, including notes of roasted root vegetables, mushrooms, and wet earth.
- Spicy: The Madrecuixe agave varietal produces a mezcal with a spicy flavor profile, with notes of black pepper, clove, and cinnamon.
In addition, some mezcals may be aged in barrels, which can impart vanilla, caramel, or oak flavors. These barrel-aged mezcals can be a great alternative to aged tequilas.
And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, some mezcals are even made with other ingredients, like fruits or herbs, which can add unique and complex flavors to the spirit. And I would be remiss not to mention Pechuga.
Forget the Worm; There’s Meat in My Mezcal
The word “pechuga” means “breast” in Spanish, and it refers to using a chicken or turkey breast in the distillation process.
To make pechuga mezcal, base mezcal is distilled with various ingredients, including fruits, nuts, spices, and chicken or turkey breast. This mixture is then re-distilled, with the meat and other ingredients suspended in a basket above the still. As the mezcal vapor rises, it passes through the basket, picking up flavors and aromas from the ingredients.
Pechuga mezcal has a complex and unique flavor profile with fruit, spice, and savory meatiness notes. Adding the chicken or turkey breast during distillation adds a subtle umami flavor to the spirit, which sets it apart from other types of mezcal.
Traditionally, pechuga mezcal is produced as part of a celebration or festival and is often served as a special occasion drink. Some mezcal producers today continue this tradition, creating small batches of pechuga mezcal using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.
Pchuga mezcal is a unique and special type with a complex flavor profile and an interesting history. It’s worth trying for anyone looking to explore the diverse world of mezcal and experience something truly unique.
It’s essential to understand that mezcal is not just a smoky spirit; it’s a unique and diverse category of spirits worth exploring. A wide range of flavor profiles is available, and there’s sure to be a mezcal that suits your tastes.
So, consider trying mezcal next time you’re in the market for a new spirit. And remember, not all mezcals are smoky!
