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Mezcal Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to mezcal
Unlike many other spirits, mezcal isn't made from distilled grain. Instead, this liquor comes from agaveĀ āĀ specifically, the fermented, slow-roasted piƱa, or agave core. Hundreds of agave species grow worldwide, and distillers can turn dozens of different types of agave into mezcal.
About mezcal
Any liquor that boasts a mezcal label must be made in one of nine Mexican states. The vast majority of mezcal comes from Oaxaca, a powerhouse state for agave production.
While many mezcal lovers describe this spirit as āsmoky,ā in reality, its flavor profiles span a wide spectrum. After all, mezcal can come from about 50 different agave species, and most use wild yeast for fermentation. As a result, each type has its own unique flavor notes. Some do have a smoky character, while others are more mellow.
Types of mezcal
The Consejo Regulador del Mezcal, which oversees production and labeling, defines 3 types of mezcal:
- Mezcal:Ā The most contemporary type, standard mezcal can use cutting-edge production equipment. For example, producers can roast the agave piƱas in autoclaves, ferment them in stainless steel containers, and distill them in continuous column stills.
- Mezcal Ancestral: As its name suggests, this variety uses traditional processes. For example, producers must roast the piƱas in pit ovens and ferment the roasted agave in stone or wooden tanks. Distillation must take place in clay pots rather than metal vessels.
- Mezcal Artesanal: Although this type of mezcal must follow general guidelines for cooking, fermentation, and distillation, the options vary. In addition, producers can use a greater range of heat sources like steam or hot rocks for the roasting process.
Mezcal shopping tips
With so many different options to choose from, shopping for mezcal can be overwhelming, especially if you aren't quite sure what you're looking for. Use these shopping tips to choose a mezcal you'll enjoy:
- Start with the most common type of mezcal. When in doubt, choose a bottle of EspadĆn, the most popular kind of mezcal. Although you'll find this variety of agave in the vast majority ofĀ mezcalĀ bottles, each one has different flavor notes that express its area of origin.
- Get creative with a wild-grown variety. Several types of mezcal, including TobalĆ” and Tipizate, come from wild-harvested agave, some of which have matured for 20 or 30 years. These mezcal varieties tend to have more intense flavors ranging from fruity to floral, and they're usually more expensive than the more common EspadĆn.
- Treat yourself to a rare bottle. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or you want to try some more unusual types, consider varieties like Tobaziche and ArroqueƱo. The flavor notes of these mezcals might surprise you, as they can range from herbaceous to chocolatey.
Mezcal Near Me
Buy your favorite Mezcal online with Instacart. Order Mezcal from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about mezcal
Yes, you can drink mezcal straight, and many connoisseurs prefer to enjoy it in this simple way. However, most bartenders recommend against shooting mezcalĀ or gulping it down from a shot glass. Instead, keep your mezcal at room temperature and serve it neat, without ice. Then inhale the aromas and enjoy the flavors slowly. To cleanse your palate and continue to maximize the flavors, drink some water in between sips of mezcal.
If you prefer not to drink your mezcal straight, add it to a cocktail instead. Like tequila, mezcal makes an excellent addition to Margaritas. You can also get creative by mixing mezcal with ingredients that celebrate its earthiness, brightness, or floral notes. Many mezcal lovers like to combine it with citrus, ginger, or even chilis.
To buy a bottle of mezcal that you're likely to love, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Younger is better. While many alcohol varieties develop more complex flavor profiles with age, mezcal isn't one of them. Younger mezcals, which are clear rather than brown, often have more interesting flavors.
- Opt for a higher proof. Unlike other types of liquor, mezcal doesn't do well with dilution. Although some bottles boast a standard 80-proof, some go up to 100-proof or have unrounded numbers like 94-proof. When in doubt, choose a bottle with a higher proof to ensure that the mezcal is undiluted.
Essentially, mezcal is a broader category of spirits, and tequila is a type of mezcal. Both tequila and mezcal come from agave, but the two spirits have a few key differences:
- Distillers can produce tequila from a single type of agave, while mezcal can come from about 50 different species.
- To make tequila, producers typically steam agave and distill it in copper pots.
- Tequila generally has more mild flavor notes and less of mezcal's smoky or floral qualities.
Fortunately, you can shop for both via Instacart. Browse the inventory at your local liquor or wine shop, and order through Instacart for same-day delivery.