The presence of a worm in mezcal has been a subject of curiosity and debate for decades. While it may seem strange or even off-putting to some, the worm actually serves a purpose beyond being a mere marketing gimmick. So, what does the worm in mezcal do?
Firstly, it's important to clarify that the worm, commonly known as the gusano, is not actually a worm but the larvae of a moth called Hypopta agavis. These larvae infest the agave plant, which is the main ingredient used to produce mezcal. When the agave is harvested and cooked, the larvae are killed and eventually end up in the distilled spirit.
Now, you might be wondering why anyone would intentionally add these larvae to a bottle of mezcal. The tradition of including the worm can be traced back to the 1950s when a mezcal maker discovered a moth larvae in a batch of his liquor. Instead of discarding the contaminated batch, he tasted it and found that the presence of the worm imparted a unique flavor to the mezcal.
This discovery led to the addition of worms to all his bottles as a marketing strategy. It quickly became a popular practice, especially in certain regions of Mexico where mezcal is produced. The worm became a symbol of authenticity and tradition, and its presence in a bottle of mezcal became a way to distinguish it from other spirits.
But what exactly does the worm contribute to the flavor of mezcal? The larvae contain certain compounds that can infuse the spirit with a subtle earthy and nutty taste. Some people describe it as having a hint of umami or mushroom-like flavor. However, it's worth noting that the impact of the worm on the flavor of mezcal is relatively mild and can vary from brand to brand.
It's also important to mention that not all bottles of mezcal contain a worm. In fact, the inclusion of the worm is not a standard practice and is largely dependent on the preferences of individual mezcal producers. Some argue that the worm is purely a marketing gimmick and does not enhance the taste of the spirit in any significant way.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards producing high-quality, artisanal mezcal that focuses more on the pure expression of the agave plant without the addition of worms or other additives. This movement highlights the versatility and complexity of mezcal as a spirit on its own, without the need for additional gimmicks.
The worm in mezcal is not just a marketing ploy but has historical roots in the tradition of mezcal production. While its presence may not drastically alter the flavor of the spirit, it does contribute a subtle earthy and nutty taste. Ultimately, whether to embrace the worm or not is a matter of personal preference, and the choice of enjoying mezcal with or without a worm is entirely up to the consumer.