Mezcales
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage produced from any of a number of agave species, and is protected by the Denomination of Origin for mezcal in Mexico. It is traditionally associated with Oaxaca, but production also occurs in several other states within the official mezcal region. The defining features are its agave base, the traditional production methods, and the wide range of flavors influenced by plant species, soil, climate, and processing.
Most mezcal is made by roasting the harvested agave hearts in underground pits, crushing the roasted piñas
Mezcal can be produced from many agave species. Espadín (Agave angustifolia) is the most common, but others
Labeling typically distinguishes aging: joven or blanco (unaged), reposado (aged a few months to up to a
Mezcal is usually enjoyed neat to appreciate its complexity, though it may be used in cocktails. A