Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit made from the agave plant. It has gained popularity worldwide in recent years, with many people enjoying its unique smoky flavor and artisanal production methods. However, within the world of mezcal, there is a distinction between regular mezcal and mezcal artesanal, or artisanal mezcal.
The main difference between mezcal and mezcal artesanal lies in the production process. Mezcal can be made using industrial methods, which often involve the use of modern equipment such as autoclaves, diffusers, and column stills. These methods allow for a more efficient and streamlined production process, but they also result in a spirit that lacks the depth and complexity of flavors that can be found in artisanal mezcal.
On the other hand, mezcal artesanal is produced using traditional and time-honored methods. The agave plants used for mezcal artesanal are typically cooked in underground pits, a process known as pit-cooking. This slow and labor-intensive method allows the agave to absorb the smoky flavors from the fire and the earth, giving mezcal artesanal its distinctive taste.
After the pit-cooking process, the agave is usually crushed using either a hand or stone mill. This method preserves the fibers of the agave, which are essential for the development of complex flavors during fermentation and distillation. In contrast, industrial mezcal often uses mechanical shredders or diffusers to extract the juice from the agave, resulting in a less nuanced final product.
Once the agave is crushed, it is fermented in open-air wooden vats. This natural fermentation process allows wild yeast and bacteria to interact with the agave sugars, contributing to the unique flavors and aromas of artisanal mezcal. Industrial mezcal, on the other hand, often uses stainless steel vats for fermentation, which can inhibit the development of these complex flavors.
The final and perhaps most crucial step in the production of mezcal artesanal is the distillation process. Artisanal mezcal is typically distilled in small, wood-fired clay pot stills. The use of clay pots imparts a distinct character to the spirit, while the wood fire adds further smoky notes. In contrast, industrial mezcal often uses column stills, which allow for a more efficient and consistent distillation process but may result in a spirit that lacks the depth and complexity of flavors found in mezcal artesanal.
The difference between mezcal and mezcal artesanal lies in the production methods. Mezcal artesanal is made using traditional and labor-intensive techniques, such as pit-cooking, hand or stone milling, and wood-fired clay pot distillation. These methods result in a spirit with a rich and complex flavor profile, full of smoky and earthy notes. On the other hand, regular mezcal may be produced using more industrial methods, which often sacrifice some of the depth and character found in mezcal artesanal. So, if you're looking for a mezcal with a truly authentic and artisanal taste, be sure to seek out mezcal artesanal.