All Mezcals, which includes Tequila, are made from Mexico’s native agave plants. Tequila distinguishes itself from other Mezcals because it is made from only one particular variety, the Blue Agave, and most production, by law, takes place in the western state of Jalisco. Mezcal, on the other hand, is crafted in many different states and diverse regions across Mexico using over 25 different varieties of the agave plants local to each area in the country. This diversity of agave, geography and production methods creates a complex and unique spirit.
Mezcal is the Western Hemisphere’s oldest distilled spirit. While Tequila production has been refined and modernized over time, most Mezcal producers in Oaxaca still use the same rustic methods that were developed hundreds of years ago. The agave are still roasted in underground wood-fired pits, the piñas are mashed with a horse tethered to a large grinding stone, and the mash is distilled in small clay or copper pot stills. In this way, Mezcal is like Tequila’s rural cousin. Yet, the taste, variety and complexity of Mezcals are unrivaled. Most of all, Mezcal tastes like the place where it was made. So each handcrafted Mezcal is unique from one village to the next, and each one is truly a revelation.
MEZCAL SLIDESHOW
Kristen and Michael, owners of Bone Garden Cantina recently traveled to Oaxaca to experience traditional Mezcal production first hand. They completed the Master Mezcalier program in Oaxaca, which is sponsored by the Mexican government to teach industry professionals about the history and craft of Mezcal. Here are some of their favorite photos from this trip that explain the steps of crafting artisanal Mezcal, and also reveal the passion, family tradition, sense of place, and hard work that go into each bottle.
Fermentation Vats
Crushed agave fibers (called bagaso) are loaded into wooden, open-air fermentation vats. The vat is then filled with water and, depending on the producer, some liquid from an already fermenting batch. Fermentation occurs naturally, from air-borne yeasts, and takes 1-2 weeks to complete When finished, it looks like the batch in the background here. Oaxaca, Mexico 2014.
