Mezcal vs. tequila: 7 real differences, by the rules
Mezcal and tequila are both agave spirits with a denomination of origin, but they aren't the same. Tequila is made from a single species, blue agave, and may contain up to 49% sugars from other sources. Mezcal can be made from many agave species and must always be 100% agave. Region, roasting and flavor differ too.
The 7 differences
| # | Topic | Mezcal (NOM-070-SCFI-2016) | Tequila (NOM-006-SCFI-2012) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agave | Many species: Espadín, Tepeztate, Tobalá and more | Only Agave tequilana Weber, blue variety |
| 2 | Purity | Always 100% agave | "Tequila": at least 51% agave sugars; "100% agave tequila": all agave |
| 3 | Region | Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Puebla and other DO states | Jalisco plus municipalities in Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Tamaulipas |
| 4 | Roasting | In artisanal and ancestral mezcal, pit or masonry ovens (smoke) | Masonry ovens or autoclaves, no wood smoke |
| 5 | Categories | Mezcal, artesanal, ancestral (by process) | Tequila and 100% agave tequila (by purity) |
| 6 | Classes | Blanco/joven, madurado en vidrio, reposado, añejo, abocado, destilado con | Blanco, joven, reposado, añejo, extra añejo |
| 7 | Flavor | Often smoky, herbal, highly variable by agave and palenque | Cooked agave, herbal, citrus; less smoke |
Both standards allow 35% to 55% ABV in Mexico; for the U.S., both must be bottled at 40% ABV or more.
Is tequila a type of mezcal?
Historically, "mezcal" named all agave spirits, and tequila was long called "vino mezcal de Tequila." Today they're legally distinct categories, each with its own standard and regulatory council: the Mezcal Regulatory Council and the Tequila Regulatory Council.
Where does mezcal's smoke come from?
From roasting. In artisanal and ancestral mezcal, agave is roasted in wood-fired stone ovens and the smoke soaks into the piñas. Tequila is usually steam-cooked, so it has almost no smoke.
How it applies to ZUNTE
ZUNTE is a mezcal from Oaxaca, 100% Espadín agave, roasted in a conical stone oven. Its smoke is light, letting the agave's herbal and citrus notes come through, which makes it a great first mezcal for tequila drinkers.
FAQ
What's the main difference between mezcal and tequila?
Tequila uses only blue agave and may contain up to 49% other sugars; mezcal uses many agave species and is always 100% agave.
Is tequila a mezcal?
Historically it was called that, but today they're separate legal categories.
Why does mezcal taste smoky?
Because artisanal mezcal's agave is roasted in wood-fired stone ovens.
Which one is stronger?
Both range from 35% to 55% ABV in Mexico; in the U.S. both are sold at 40% ABV or more.
