Tequila vs. Mezcal vs Agave Liquor: What's the Difference?

Unraveling the Mystery: A Deep Dive into Tequila, Mezcal and Agave Liquor

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Published in 11-27-2024

In the image, bottles of mezcal, Photo: Roger Ce
Agave, an emblematic plant of Mexico, is the basis of a wide variety of spirits that have conquered palates around the world.

Agave, an emblematic plant of Mexico, is the basis for a variety of spirits that delight palates around the world. Among the best known are agave liqueur, mezcal and tequila. Although they share a common origin, there are notable differences in their production process, flavor and designation of origin.

Agave liqueur: This is the broadest and most general term for any alcoholic beverage distilled from agave. Its production is more flexible and allows for a wide variety of flavors and styles.
Mezcal: Mezcal is a distillate obtained from various species of agave, traditionally cooked in earth ovens and ground by hand. Its flavor is usually smokier and more complex due to the cooking process.
Tequila: Tequila is a specific type of mezcal, made solely from the blue agave tequilana and produced in certain regions of Mexico. Its flavor is generally smoother and cleaner, with notes of cooked agave and sometimes tropical fruits.

Mezcal, Tequila, Agave Liquor: Which Agave Spirit is Right for You?

In the image Tequila Olmeca, Photo: keithwoodford
Main differences:
1-Type of agave: Agave liquor can use any species of agave, while mezcal allows a wide variety and tequila is made exclusively with blue agave.
2-Production process: The production process of mezcal is more artisanal and traditional, while tequila has stricter standards and quality regulations.
3-Flavor: The flavor of agave liquor varies greatly, depending on the type of agave and the production process. Mezcal usually has a smokier and more complex flavor, while tequila is generally smoother and cleaner.
4-Denomination of origin: Tequila has a protected designation of origin, which means that it can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico. Mezcal and agave liqueur have broader designations of origin.

Pictured here is agave liquor. Agave liquor is any alcoholic beverage distilled from the agave plant, a succulent plant that grows in various regions of Mexico. Unlike tequila and mezcal, which have specific regulations regarding the type of agave and the production process, agave liquor offers greater flexibility and diversity of flavors.

If you're looking for a versatile drink with a wide range of flavors, agave liquor is an excellent choice. If you prefer a spirit with a smokier and more complex flavor, you'll love mezcal. And if you're looking for a high-quality tequila with a smooth and elegant flavor, tequila is the perfect choice.