From Tequila to Mezcal: Unveiling the Agave Secrets A deeper dive into the difference between Tequila and Mezcal

Hello, Legends!

It’s always a pleasure to connect with you through Agave Talks, and this week’s edition is something truly special. Not only did we just host another amazing Legends Club event, but we’re also gearing up for the exclusive launch of our A?ejo – limited to only 1,000 bottles, available exclusively to Legends Club members ! There’s so much to share, and I’m excited to dive into one of the most common questions we get: What’s the difference between Tequila and Mezcal?

But before we get into that, I want to take a moment to thank Alan Samuel Cohen for joining us as our guest speaker at the event. Alan shared some incredibly valuable insights on brand authenticity and even managed to weave in a little bit of Harry Potter magic into his talk (yes, really!). So, let’s get started.

Understanding the Difference: Tequila vs. Mezcal ??

This topic has always been close to my heart because so many people are passionate about Tequila and Mezcal, but they might not fully understand the subtle—and sometimes not so subtle—differences between these two iconic Mexican spirits.

First, let’s clear up a common misconception: All Tequila is Mezcal, but not all Mezcal is Tequila. Both Tequila and Mezcal are made from Agave, but the way they’re produced and the regions they come from are what set them apart. So, let’s break it down step by step.

What Makes a Spirit “Tequila”?

To be legally called Tequila, the spirit must meet a few key criteria:

- Region:Tequila must be produced in certain specific regions in Mexico, primarily in the state of Jalisco and small parts of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

- Agave Type: Tequila can only be made from one type of Agave – Blue Weber Agave (Agave Tequilana). This is one of the most widely cultivated Agave species, prized for its high sugar content.

- Agave Content: Here’s where things get interesting. To be labeled as Tequila, a spirit only needs to contain 51% Blue Agave. The rest can be made from other sugars, such as cane sugar or corn syrup. That’s why many mass-produced Tequilas don’t always taste like the artisanal or small-batch varieties that are 100% Blue Agave.

For Tequilas that are labeled as 100% Agave, they are indeed made entirely from Blue Agave. However, it’s important to note that, according to the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT), even these bottles are allowed to contain up to 1% of additives. These additives can include things like flavoring, coloring, or even sweeteners, which can subtly alter the flavor profile. This is why not all 100% Agave Tequilas are created equal.

Mezcal: The True Agave Spirit

Now, let’s talk about Mezcal – the older sibling of Tequila and a spirit that offers a far richer history and deeper connection to Mexican culture. Mezcal is defined by its strict adherence to tradition and the purity of its ingredients:

- Region: Mezcal can be produced in multiple states in Mexico, including Oaxaca, Durango, Guerrero, Zacatecas, and a few others. This wider geographic range allows Mezcal to reflect the diversity of Mexico’s land, weather, and soil.

- Agave Variety: Here’s one of the biggest differences between Tequila and Mezcal: while Tequila is made from only one type of Agave (Blue Weber), Mezcal can be made from many different varieties of Agave. In fact, there are hundreds of types of Agave that can be used to make Mezcal, but 12 main species make up 99% of all certified Mezcal:

- MAGUEY 'ESPADíN' – Agave angustifolia

- MAGUEY 'VERDE' – Agave salmiana

- MAGUEY 'CENIZO' – Agave durangensis

- MAGUEY 'ANCHO' – Agave cupreata

- MAGUEY 'TOBALá' – Agave potatorum

- MAGUEY 'AZUL' – Agave Tequilana

- MAGUEY 'VERDE' – Agave scabra

- MAGUEY 'CUISHE' – Agave karwinskii

- MAGUEY 'COYOTE' – Agave americana

- MAGUEY 'JABALí' – Agave convallis

- MAGUEY 'PICHUMEL' – Agave marmorata

- MAGUEY 'MEXICANO' – Agave rhodacanta

You’ll notice that Blue Weber Agave (Agave Tequilana) is on this list. That’s right – Mezcal can also be made from Blue Weber Agave, just like Tequila. So, what’s the real difference?

- Agave Content: Unlike Tequila, Mezcal must always be made from 100% Agave. That’s part of what makes Mezcal a much more artisanal spirit. It’s all about letting the natural flavors of the Agave plant shine through, with no shortcuts or enhancements.

La Leyenda Mezcal: Redefining the Sipping Experience

At La Leyenda Mezcal, we take great pride in being part of the Mezcal tradition, but we’ve also made it our mission to break away from some of the stereotypes associated with the spirit. One of the most iconic characteristics of Mezcal is its smoky flavor, which comes from roasting the Agave hearts (called pi?as) in underground pits.

But at La Leyenda, we wanted to create something different – a Mezcal that’s pure, smooth, and luxurious without the smoke. That’s why we don’t roast our Agaves. Instead, we use a different process that highlights the natural flavor of the plant, resulting in a cleaner, more refined taste. This allows the essence of our 100% Full Term Agave Tequilana (Blue Weber Agave) to really come through in every sip.

Produced in Zacatecas, just 500 meters away from the Jalisco border, our Mezcal exists at the crossroads between Tequila and Mezcal, giving you the best of both worlds. As the saying goes, “The best Tequila is a Mezcal from Zacatecas,” and we couldn’t agree more.

Announcing Our Exclusive A?ejo Release – Only 1,000 Bottles Available! ??

We are beyond excited to announce the launch of our La Leyenda A?ejo Mezcal, an extremely limited release of just 1,000 bottles, available exclusively to our Legends Club members . This is the culmination of years of craftsmanship, dedication, and our unwavering commitment to creating a luxury sipping experience.

Our A?ejo has been aged to perfection, allowing the rich, complex flavors of the Full Term Blue Weber Agave to develop over time. This is a Mezcal that’s meant to be savored slowly, enjoyed sip by sip, and shared with those who truly appreciate the finer things in life.

As a Legends Club member , you’ll get first access to this limited release, so if you’re not yet a member, now’s the perfect time to join!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Alan Cohen’s Talk – Finding Your Brand’s Magic Through Harry Potter

One of the highlights of our recent event was the amazing talk by Alan Cohen, who shared some fascinating insights into branding and authenticity. Alan is a well-known speaker and entrepreneur, and he managed to make the topic of brand building incredibly engaging by drawing an analogy to Harry Potter.

In his talk, Alan explained how brands, much like the characters in Harry Potter, must go through their own journey of discovery. He spoke about how Harry’s journey of self-acceptance – discovering his true identity as a wizard and embracing his destiny – mirrors the process that every brand must go through to find its own voice and purpose.

According to Alan, building a successful brand is all about being authentic and staying true to your roots, just like Harry had to stay true to who he was, despite the challenges he faced. He emphasized that much like Hogwarts students, brands must also grow, evolve, and find their own unique magic if they want to stand out in a crowded market.

It was an inspiring talk that gave all of us a lot to think about – especially when it comes to the way we present La Leyenda Mezcal to the world.

Final Thoughts – Keep the Legend Alive

Thank you for joining me in this week’s edition of Agave Talks. The world of Agave spirits is full of rich history, fascinating traditions, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re a long-time Mezcal lover or new to the world of Agave, there’s always something new to discover.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share this newsletter with friends, and become a part of The Legends Club to stay in the loop on exclusive releases like our new A?ejo, and to participate in future events where we can dive deeper into the incredible world of Mezcal and Agave spirits. The journey doesn’t end here – it’s only just beginning.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the exclusive member perks of The Legends Club. This isn’t just a place to enjoy La Leyenda Mezcal – it’s a community where we come together to share our passion for Agave and elevate the sipping experience to new heights.

I can’t wait to hear what you think about the upcoming A?ejo release. Remember, with only 1,000 bottles, this is one you won’t want to miss out on. And as always, feel free to drop me a message or engage with the newsletter – I love hearing your thoughts and feedback.

Until next time, keep the legend alive, and may your glass always be filled with the finest Agave spirits.

Salud! From MEXICO to the World!

Alejandro Sanchez

Founder of La Leyenda Mezcal

Host of Agave Talks

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