The difference between Mezcal, Tequila and Agave Spirit, as well as mixtos and 100%, for trade buyers

This guide is intended for anyone who wants to find out exactly what the differences are between the major Mexican types of spirits.

WHAT IS TEQUILA?

Tequila is a distilled spirit:

• Made from at least 51% Blue Weber agave

• That has been produced in the designated region of Appellation of Origin within Mexico (I.e. the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit and Tamaulipas)

• And the liquid is sold by a brand that has obtained the requisite registrations with the relevant Mexican government authority = Consejo Regulador del Tequila (“CRT”).

Yes, it is a huge pain to obtain it, and yes, we can help with it (The application, we cannot do much about the pain, but we will say a lot of soothing words while you wait for it to come through).

WHAT IS MEZCAL?

Mezcal is a distilled spirit from one or more of over 30 types of agave, that has been produced in one of 9 designated states in Mexico (Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Puebla, Durango, San Luís Potosí, Zacatecas, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas). The agave pines used to make the spirit are usually roasted, giving Mezcal its characteristic smokey aroma. But beyond that there is a myriad of production methods, varying from one producer to the next, across regions and families. There is a plethora of styles out there, with many different names for each finish and expression, and it can get really quite confusing. Some of which come with a (not mandatory!) worm, for marketing effects.

SO, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEQUILA AND MEZCAL?

It’s actually quite simple: Think of Mezcal like you would of “Whisky”. There are Scotch whiskies, bourbon whiskies, Irish whiskies, Tennessee whiskies, blended whiskies, single malt whiskies, and so many more. They are all types of “whisky / whiskey”, but they are also all different, and the only reason why they are all called “whisky” is because that’s the category term that we have chosen to describe them all. So “Mezcal”, in its purest form, is nothing else but the name for a category of spirits coming out of Mexico, that are made from various types of agave plants. “Tequila” is then a clearly-defined sub-category within the mezcal umbrella, just like “Scotch” is a sub-category of the whisky family. “Raicilla” is another one, but “Sotol” is not (Given that the latter is not made from agave, but the catchy-sounding dasylirion).

HOW ABOUT AGAVE SPIRIT?

Ah, we knew you would ask that! Linguistically, this is an English word, and technically it simply describes a spirit made from the agave plant (In fact, there is no legally binding definition for “agave spirit”, unlike for tequila and mezcal). But for the purpose of selling spirits in bulk and to consumers, this term is very useful: We basically use it to describe “tequila” that comes without the paperwork required for the same spirit. In other words, if you want to buy the liquid that is known as “tequila”, but you don’t want to go through the rigmarole of registering your brand with the Mexican CRT, you can purchase it as “agave spirit” on the export docs, and Bob’s your uncle. Depending on various factors, you can then choose between “100% agave spirit” and “Agave mixto”.

SO WHAT’S 100% AGAVE SPIRIT?

Tequila without the bragging rights, made from 100% Blue Weber agave. Quite simple, really.

AND WHAT’S AGAVE MIXTO?

A bit more complicated: Here, the fermentation mash used for distillation comprises of a majority of Blue Weber agave pines (≥51%) and a minority of other fermentable sugars, usually white, granulated cane sugar (≤49%). Granulated sugar is normally the weapon of choice as it is cheap, easily available, and it does not negatively affect the organoleptics of the finished spirit; in other words, it let’s its agave brother in the fermentation mash shine through in the distillate. This liquid can also be called “agave spirit”.

WHAT’S NOT AGAVE MIXTO?

When you blend 100% agave spirit or agave mixto with neutral alcohol / ethanol. That’s just cheating.

HOW ABOUT AUSTRALIAN AGAVE SPIRIT?

Since Tequila and Mezcal are protected names, their usage is limited to the relative spirits made in the respective regions of Mexico. Hence you are not allowed to make a spirit from agave in Australia and called it “Australian Tequila” or “Aussie Mezcal”. But you are more than welcome to call it “Australian Agave Spirit”.

WHAT HAPPENS TO ME IF I IMPORT “AGAVE SPIRIT” AND SELL IT AS “TEQUILA”?

Technically, that’s illegal, and in the worst case, you may be asked to pull your products from the shelves.

BULK VS BOTTLED

Anything that you want to call “Mezcal” or “Tequila made from 100% agave” has to be bottled in Mexico, no exceptions. Pretty much anything else can be exported in bulk, and we do, so please enquire if you are keen.

BLANCO, REPOSADO, AÑEJO, CRISTALINO

These terms refer to various ages of the tequila / agave spirit:

Blanco: unaged

Reposado: aged for 2-12 months in oak vessels

Añejo: aged for 12-36 months in oak barrels with less than 600L capacity

Extra Añejo: aged for more than 36 months in oak barrels with less than 600L capacity

Cristalino: aged for an unspecified time, then charcoal-filtered to remove the colour from the aged liquid. Think of it like an aged, white rum.

ANYTHING ELSE?

For the geeks among you but not for anyone having trouble falling asleep at night, for it is quite riveting stuff, these are two websites with more details on the subject matter:

Ohio Liquor - All About Tequila

The Crafty Cask - What is Mezcal?

WHERE DO I SIGN UP?

Call or email us, and we will be more than happy to take your measurements. Learn more about our full range of spirits here.

Our MOQ is 1,000 litres in IBCs, all the way up to ISOs for the very thirsty.

¡Salud!