What does the worm do for mezcal?

Answered by Rodney Landry

The presence of a worm in has been a topic of intrigue and curiosity for many years. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to explore the world of mezcal and understand the role of the worm in this unique spirit. While it may seem odd to find a worm in a bottle of liquor, the truth is that the worm does not actually serve any purpose in terms of enhancing the flavor or quality of the mezcal.

The tradition of including a worm in mezcal bottles can be traced back to the 1950s, when a mezcal maker stumbled upon a moth larvae in one of his batches. Rather than discarding the contaminated liquor, he decided to taste it and was pleasantly surprised by the flavor. This discovery led him to believe that the worm had somehow contributed to the unique taste of the mezcal, and he decided to add worms to all his bottles as a marketing strategy.

Soon, other mezcal manufacturers saw the success of this idea and followed suit. The inclusion of a worm became synonymous with mezcal, and it became a distinctive feature of the spirit. However, it is important to note that the worm has no impact on the taste or quality of the mezcal itself. It is purely a marketing gimmick and does not serve any functional purpose.

In fact, the worm that is commonly found in mezcal bottles is not actually a worm at all. It is the larvae of a moth called Hypopta agavis. These larvae infest agave plants, which are used to produce mezcal. When the agave is harvested and processed, the larvae can sometimes be unintentionally included in the final product. The larvae are then preserved in the mezcal bottle as a novelty item.

It is worth mentioning that not all mezcal bottles contain a worm. In fact, many high-quality artisanal mezcal brands do not include a worm in their bottles, as they focus on the pure expression of the spirit without any added gimmicks. The presence or absence of a worm in a bottle of mezcal does not necessarily indicate the quality or authenticity of the spirit.

The worm in mezcal does not contribute to the taste or quality of the spirit. It is simply a marketing ploy that has become associated with mezcal over the years. While it may add a sense of novelty and intrigue, it is important to remember that the true essence of mezcal lies in the craftsmanship and quality of the spirit itself, rather than the presence of a worm.