The Secrets of Mezcal: A Journey Through Time, Tradition, and Taste by Diana Dorantes
What is Mezcal?
It’s a distilled alcoholic beverage crafted from the heart of the agave plant. The name Mezcal comes from the Nahuatl word “mexcalli,” meaning “oven-cooked agave”. While often compared to its cousin Tequila, Mezcal stands out with its smoky, robust flavour and artisanal production methods.
The Legend
To understand Mezcal, we need to go back in time… Legend has it that centuries ago, in Aztec mythology, the female goddess of “maguey” (meaning agave), Mayahuel, presented the agave plant to her lover Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, as an act of love.
From the heart of this sacred plant, Quetzalcoatl discovered the intoxicating elixir that would become known as Mezcal; a symbol of fertility, celebration, and spiritual connection, which he shared with humanity. This is the reason why it’s believed that you should kiss/sip the beverage in representation and gratefulness of that love. This is the reason why Mayahuel features prominently in the Alkitara logo.
A glimpse into production
Producing Mezcal is not an industrial practice; it follows a tradition passed down through generations, preserving the secrets of cultivation and distillation. Maestros Mezcaleros, (master distillers), draw upon ancestral knowledge and intuition, relying on sight, smell, and touch to gauge the readiness of the agave plants.
Here comes the question–where does the smoky taste come from? Well, let’s rewind to ancient Mexico, where a production mishap sparked a flavour revolution.
Picture This
Indigenous distillers, toiling away with agave hearts, using ancient methods. They gather the hearts of the agave by hand, and roast them in pits dug into the ground. These pits are filled with volcanic stones and topped with layers of palm or agave leaves. They are hoping for a smooth finish, but uh-oh–the temperature rises too high and smoke begins to billow! So they decide to allow the process to continue undisturbed. This accidental infusion of smoky goodness wasn’t a mistake; it was a feature and Mezcal was born.
A toast to tradition and culture
Mezcal has been in the Mexican tradition from generation to generation but it was considered a drink for the working class because anyone could produce it cheaply as long as they had access to the agave plant. But as people started moving to the city, they stopped working on their land. Those that remained sold their agave plantations to big companies, who started producing Tequila in big quantities and had very industrialized distillation processes.
Nowadays only a few Mezcal producers in the whole country remain, and only half of them have kept the artisanal distillery process. Mezcal has become an expensive drink because of this, but it is still offered at big parties, weddings, birthdays or with friends, as a representation of appreciation and love.
In rural villages, Mezcal is served as a symbol of hospitality, shared among friends and strangers alike. Its production is a labour of love and honouring the land. It is a reminder that we are all connected, bound together by threads of memory and moments shared. So you know you will have a good time when Mezcal is around.
In these villages far away from the city, people cook with fire in the open or indoors with the smoke going out from the house, so you have that smell of the countryside. The reason why Mezcal is so important for Mexicans is because the smoky taste reminds you of those days in the countryside with fresh food, clear sky, sunny days and your family and friends around.
The art of drinking Mezcal
In Ireland, where appreciation for fine spirits runs deep, savouring Mezcal is an experience to be relished. Unlike Tequila, which is often consumed in rapid succession or drowned in sugary mixers, Mezcal demands a more contemplative approach. It’s a ritual, a communion with the spirits of the earth and ancestors.
The proper way to savour Mezcal and fully appreciate its complexity: sip it slowly – kissing the glass allows the smoky aroma to envelop your senses. Then swallow, and let the flavours unfold on your palate like a symphony of smoke, earth, and agave sweetness.
Either neat or in a cocktail, always remember to savour, not rush; Mezcal rewards patience and presence.
The Journey
In a world filled with noise and chaos, Mezcal offers a moment of stillness—a chance to pause, reflect, and savour the beauty of the present moment.
Through fire and fermentation, distillation and devotion, these guardians of the craft transform humble plants into liquid gold, sharing a journey of the senses—a reminder of the power of passion and the magic of Mezcal—a taste of Mexico.
So, next time you’re sipping a smoky Mezcal, remember: it’s not just a drink; it’s a journey through time, tradition and taste.
Salud!
This article was written by Diana Dorantes, Business Development & Brand Ambassador at Alkitara Mezcal. We spoke to Diana about her career and love of Mezcal for our “In Conversation” feature. Catch up here.
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