Agave is a plant native to Mexico whose hearts are roasted, crushed, fermented, and distilled to produce several different spirits. Tequila and mezcal are the most common, but other spirits include aicilla, sotol, bacanora, and pulque.
With similar beginnings but vastly different flavor profiles, we’re comparing two of agave’s best gifts to us. Here’s what you need to know:
- Mezcal is made from many different types of agave, whereas tequila is only made from blue weber agave
- Tequila is smooth and clean, with fruity and spicy notes, while mezcal is earthy and smoky with herbal notes
- Popular mezcal cocktails include the Oaxaca Old Fashioned and the Mezcal Margarita
- Popular tequila cocktails include the Tequila Sunrise and Ranch Water
- Del Maguey Mezcal is an artisanal, award-winning label, perfect for the mezcal-curious
- El Mayor is a premium sipping tequila for thoughtful moments and celebrations
Mezcal vs Tequila: A Comparison
| Tequila | Mezcal |
| Made only from blue weber agave Steamed in brick ovens Clean, crisp vegetal profile Must originate from 1 of only 5 Mexican states Jalisco is the most common state Pairs well with grilled shrimp, ceviche (Blanco), roasted meats, and caramel desserts (Añejo, Reposado) | Made from any agave variety Roasted underground Smoky, earthy profile Higher ABV Must originate from 1 of only 9 Mexican states Oaxaca is the most common state Pairs well with grilled meats, roasted pineapple, mole, and dark chocolate |
As the saying goes, all tequila is considered mezcal, but not all mezcal is considered tequila. Mezcal is a broader term for agave spirits that are made from a variety of agave species.
It’s also roasted underground for that smoky, earthy profile that's uncommon in most tequilas. The word “mezcal” is a Náhuatl word, metl (agave) and ixcall (cooked or baked).
Despite their common ancestor, Mezcal is not often used interchangeably with tequila because of their significantly different profiles. Some common mezcal cocktails include:
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned
- Mezcal Margarita
- Naked and Famous
- Mezcal Paloma
To be considered a tequila, it must only be made from the Blue Weber agave. This is what gives it its signature clean and crisp profile. Unlike Mezcal, the agave hearts used to produce tequila are steamed above ground in brick ovens. Popular tequila cocktails include:
- Margarita
- Tequila Sunrise
- Ranch Water
- Bloody Maria
For The Mezcal Curious: Del Maguey
The Vida line of artisanal mezclas from Del Maguey is the perfect first adventure into the world of mezcal. They’re made exclusively from Espadin agave by the single-village distiller.
Every element required to bring it to life is produced by individual Zapotec and Mixtec farmer-families and finished by hand. The techniques and methods employed today are the same ones used 400 years ago in the Oaxaca region.
The award-winning mezcal (Drinks International, 2026), Del Maguey mezcal isn’t just a taste of smoky agave; it’s also the taste of ancestral tradition and the unique terroir of Oaxaca.
- Vida de Muezlos: This variety is made from Espadín agave in the San Luis del Rio village. It has an ABV of 45% and nuanced, smoky flavors. The sipping experience is smooth and complex. Enjoy an intense smokiness and a creamy texture with hints of ginger and tangerine.
- The Vida Puebla: This variety has a lower ABV at 40% and is made in Axocapan, Puebla, from Espadín agave. It’s naturally fermented with the region’s rich volcanic minerals and has a light and sweet profile. Aromas are fruity and tropical with smoky, floral notes.
For Tequila Lovers: El Mayor
El Mayor means “the eldest,” and the label was named in honor of the founder’s mentor. It’s produced in the Jalisco region and is deeply connected to its roots as a four-generation, traditional Mexican spirit.
This tequila is made from the highest-quality Weber Blue Agave growing in the rocky lowlands of Jalisco. Its home is a mineral-rich sandy soil that produces juicy succulents for the signature tequila flavor.
Today, the label is woman-owned and delivers an artisanal approach to premium agave spirits. It’s a smooth, earthy spirit that’s perfect for sipping and savoring, worthy of any celebration or moment.
- Blanco: The El Mayor Blanco is clear and crisp, with light aromas of pepper and clean, floral undertones. Flavors include full agave flavor, hints of pepper and florals, with a light wave of heat.
- Añejo: The El Mayor Añejo tequila is aged in white oak barrels for up to 36 months for that extra smooth, highly sippable profile. It’s golden in color with caramel, oaky, and sweet fruit aromas. Flavors include caramel, tropical fruits, and brown spices.
- Reposado: The El Mayor Reposado tequila is elegant, structured, balanced, and smooth. The golden color is subtle, as are the sweet fruit notes and spice undertones. It’s a dry medium body with notes of agave, vanilla, spice, and caramel.
Agave is waiting for you to join in and experience the ancient traditions in every sip.
