As an experienced sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that mezcal is indeed stronger than regular tequila. Both mezcal and tequila are distilled spirits made from the agave plant, but they differ in terms of production methods and alcohol content.
Let's start by understanding the production process of both drinks. Tequila is made using only the blue agave plant, which is grown primarily in the Jalisco region of Mexico. The heart of the agave plant, called the piña, is harvested and roasted before being crushed to extract the juice. This juice is then fermented and distilled to create tequila.
On the other hand, mezcal can be made from various types of agave plants, giving it a broader range of flavors and characteristics. The piñas of these agave plants are traditionally roasted in underground pits, which imparts a distinct smoky flavor to the final product. After roasting, the piñas are crushed and the juice is fermented and distilled, resulting in mezcal.
Now, let's delve into the alcohol content of these two spirits. Both mezcal and tequila have an average alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 40%. This means that for every 100 milliliters of liquid, 40 milliliters are pure alcohol. However, it's worth noting that this is just an average, and the actual ABV can vary between different brands and expressions.
What sets mezcal apart from tequila is its higher alcohol concentration. While tequila typically has an ABV of 40%, mezcal can range from 45% to 55% ABV. This means that mezcal is on average 15% stronger than regular tequila. The higher alcohol content in mezcal can contribute to a more intense flavor profile and a stronger alcoholic kick.
I have personally experienced the difference in strength between mezcal and tequila. Whenever I sipped on a mezcal neat, I could immediately feel the warmth and intensity of the alcohol. The flavors were bolder and more pronounced, with a lingering smokiness that added complexity to the overall experience. In contrast, tequila, while still potent, had a slightly milder and smoother character.
Mezcal is indeed stronger than regular tequila in terms of alcohol content. With an average ABV of 55%, mezcal packs a punch compared to tequila's 40% ABV. This difference in strength contributes to the unique flavors and characteristics found in mezcal, making it a distinct and captivating spirit to explore.