Agave spirits have been an integral part of Mexican culture for centuries, with the earliest evidence of their production dating back to around 2000 BCE. These potent potables are derived from the agave plant, a succulent native to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. The most well-known types of agave spirits are tequila and mezcal.
1.1 Tequila's Origins
Tequila is perhaps the most famous type of agave spirit worldwide. It hails from the Jalisco region in western Mexico, where it has been produced since pre-Hispanic times by indigenous peoples who revered it as a sacred drink. In fact, its name comes from the Nahuatl language spoken by these early inhabitants – "tequil" means "little lizard," possibly referring to a serpent deity or due to some other unknown reason.
1.2 Modern Tequila Production
In modern times, tequila is made using only blue agave (Agave tequilana), which grows exclusively in specific regions within Mexico that meet strict requirements established by law – primarily Jalisco and certain parts of Michoacán state.
The process begins with harvesting mature plants through cutting off their leaves after carefully removing any sharp spines called 'pencas'. The heart or piña is then extracted and cooked in steam autoclaves before being crushed into smaller pieces called 'tortas'. Fermentation occurs naturally over several days before distillation takes place twice via copper stills at least once at an alcohol content greater than 55% ABV (alcohol by volume).
1.3 Different Types Of Tequilas
There are several categories within this family tree: Silver (or Blanco) - aged less than two months; Reposado - aged between two months up until one year; Añejo - aged between one year up until three years; Extra-Añejo - aged more than three years but not exceeding five years; Mezcal's cousin also includes various age designations like Joven/Blanco (young/unaged), Reposado (rested), Añejo (aged) & Extra-Añejo(Age-Old). Each style showcases different aspects depending on aging time such as flavors ranging from citrusy freshness to rich vanilla notes.
2 Mesquite Spirit Meets Its Match: Discovering Mezcal
Mezcal, while sharing many similarities with its close relative tequila, boasts unique characteristics that set it apart both geographically and culturally.
It originates mainly in Oaxaca State alongside small amounts coming from Durango San Luis Potosí Tamaulipas Zacatecas & Aguascalientes states though all must adhere strictly enforced regulations similar those governing production areas for true-blue-tequilas — including cultivation sites near highlands above 700 meters elevation known as “Sierra Norte” zone where wild mesquite trees grow abundantly contributing distinctive smoky flavor when burned during cooking stage transforming raw materials into final product sold under label such as El Silencio Vida Mezcal which offers complex taste profile blending hints sweetness fruitiness earthiness spices along with subtle smoke lingering long finish showcasing versatility versatile nature fine spirit world today.
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