The two big name mixto tequilas you should avoid at all cost are sierra and Jose cuervo, these are the mixto tequila giving tequila a bad name. My point is, ABV ( alcohol by volume) has to be taken to determine how strong a spirit is. Usually, a very techy part of spirit production. But mezcal is not techy, so how do they do it? Very interestingly is the answer… In Mezcal production, ABV is determined by pouring a stream of the mezcal into a small vessel to induce surface bubbles. These bubbles, known as pearls by the Mezcal producers, will remain stable for tenths of seconds only if the alcohol content is close to 50% I strongly believe that when people understand what tequila is and how its made, they can begin seeing tequila in another light, how its meant to be and fully start to enjoy and appreciate it for what it really is. What is Tequila Aged one to three years, añejos are smooth and rich, with more flavour contributions from the barrel.

Some of which you may of heard of, enter mezcal which we just mentioned, some of which you may be unfamiliar with, especially if you’re from the UK or American, spirits like Bacanora and Raicilla. These are all spirits that have to be made in Mexico and are made with agave. Mezcal is traditionally from Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Michoacan. Tequila comes from the Jalisco region. After you have just polished off a bottle of mezcal and had a strange bug that everyone around you was telling you was going to make you hallucinate. You probably are most likely going to fool yourself into thinking it's true. Well today we’re going to put an end to that with this complete guide on everything you need to know about Mezcal. From what it is to how it’s made and all the resources you could ever imagine to explore this wonderful and somewhat mysterious Mexican spirit. What is Mezcal Mezcal is still today very traditional. There is nothing techy about it, I mean come on, they crush the agave using a horse. It doesn’t get less techy then that!However, you still may have some questions regarding how Mezcal is different from Tequila, whether Tequila and Mezcal are the same thing or maybe you’re just looking for an easier to compare post to see exactly where they differ. Now i’m not saying its ‘healthy’ per say, nor am I claiming to know anything medical, but as far as drinking goes, it sure is one of the healthiest options. None. That’s right, no tequila has a worm in it. That's another common misconception. The Mexican spirit that has a worm in that bottom is actually as you’ve probably guessed by now Mezcal. Tequila and mezcal are quite similar as covered in my article on the difference between them Tequila and Mezcal, so the misunderstanding is acceptable.

Eating the worm has neither hallucinogenic nor aphrodisiac effects: but, if you have finished the entire Mezcal bottle to get the worm out and eat it, you are most likely unable to behave appropriately by this point.

Why aren't some beers, wines and cocktails vegan?

That is the basic process of making tequila complete, however, there is a final optional step involved, Tequila can be aged in oak casks to impart some richer, woody flavours and colour which is where different styles of tequila come into play. Blanco Tequila: The fact is that tequila is one of the healthiest options you can drink. Agave is really good for you and although I’m not saying the best way to get agave is through tequila, its still present. There is a myth that has some truth in it which is drinking tequila and only tequila will not give you a hangover due to the liver flushing quality of agave. Tequila can either be made in small batches or mass-produced, whereas mezcal is made on a much smaller scale with a traditional process. Basically, they pour the liquid and can tell by how many bubbles appear, how fast they burst and how large they are what the exact abv is. Testing has been done and they are very accurate with this method.

In the same way, Tom Bullok explains in his book “The Mezcal experience” that Monte Alban Mezcal followed Gusano Rojo with its worm practice and maintained a prolonged advertising campaign in Playboy issues during the 1970s. It cemented the idea in the male western mind that Mezcal with a worm was in fact, the real Mezcal.

What are the vegan alternatives?

The fermented juice is then double distilled. Once to create mezcal and once to soften and perfect the flavours. The interesting way mezcal producer test the ABV Turns out, you’ve been misled. Yes, tequila worms are real. And yes, you can still find them in bottles. There are a couple of things you need to know, though. Taste wise it’s got all the smoke you want from Mezcal with added grassy notes thanks to the espadin agave. Contrary to popular belief, seeking out brands of tequila with a worm in the bottle isn’t going to help you find a more flavorful drink. The worm doesn’t add anything to the alcohol.