Blanco mezcal, also known as joven or plata mezcal, is typically not smoky in flavor. Unlike aged mezcal varieties such as reposado or añejo, which can develop smoky notes from prolonged contact with charred barrels, blanco mezcal is bottled shortly after the fermentation and distillation process.
During the production of mezcal, the hearts of the agave plants, known as piñas, are slow-cooked in pits in the ground. This traditional cooking method, often referred to as earth roasting, imparts a distinct smoky flavor to the agave hearts. After cooking, the piñas are crushed and combined with water to extract the sugars and juices, which are then fermented and distilled to produce mezcal.
However, when it comes to blanco mezcal, the smoky flavor is usually not as pronounced. This is because blanco mezcal is typically bottled shortly after distillation, without any aging process. As a result, the smoky notes derived from the cooking of the agave are less prominent in blanco mezcal compared to its aged counterparts.
That said, it's important to note that not all mezcal producers follow the same production methods, and there can be variations in the smokiness of blanco mezcal depending on the specific brand or producer. Some producers may intentionally retain a subtle smoky character in their blanco mezcal, while others may focus on highlighting the natural flavors of the agave without much smokiness.
Personal experience-wise, I have tasted various blanco mezcals that have ranged from lightly smoky to completely devoid of any smoky notes. Each bottle can have its own unique flavor profile, influenced by factors such as the type of agave used, the cooking process, and the distillation techniques employed by the producer.
While blanco mezcal is generally not as smoky as aged mezcal varieties, there can still be variations in its smokiness depending on the producer. It's always worthwhile to explore different brands and expressions to discover your preferred level of smokiness in blanco mezcal.