why doesn't Mega or Wal Mart sell mezcal?

[ErichandKim]

just wondering....i searched twice? maybe i just overlooked it twice....lol

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by ErichandKim

just wondering....i searched twice? maybe i just overlooked it twice....lol

I dunno.
I've never looked for it.
I like the real stuff

[Maddison1002]

What is mezcal?

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by Maddison1002

What is mezcal?

From our read more section...

So What is Mezcal?

Mezcal (from the Nahuatl, Mexcalmetl) is considered to be any distilled beverage of the maguey(agave) family of plants. So tequila is a mezcal. But not all mezcals are tequila, as the government of Mexico has established strict norms for who can make tequila, where it can be made, and which species of agave can be used in its production. Strict Mexican rules sounds like an oxymoron, but this country is certainly serious about its national drink. So, mezcal can be made from the same plant, by the same process, but it may not carry the name tequila if it does not originate from an authorized distillery in an authorized geographical zone. Actually, many finely crafted, distinctly flavored mezcals are produced in the state of Oaxaca, south of Mexico City.

Piñas destined for mezcal are baked in a conical stone pit oven (a palenque) over hardwood coals, and covered with layers of palm fiber mats, then buried. This gives mezcal a strong, smoky flavor. It is normally only distilled once, so it is somewhat less ‘pure' a drink than tequila, which is normally distilled twice or more.

[WaterRat]

What's your "everyday" tequila, as opposed to a nicer one that you'd save for a special occasion, or VIP guests?

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by WaterRat

What's your "everyday" tequila, as opposed to a nicer one that you'd save for a special occasion, or VIP guests?

Who are you asking?
For me, Gran Centenario Repasado is my "everyday" tequila.
For my VIP guests I offer them Gran Centenario Repasado

[WaterRat]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

Who are you asking?
For me, Gran Centenario Repasado is my "everyday" tequila.
For my VIP guests I offer them Gran Centenario Repasado

Yes Babaloo, you were the one I was asking.

I'll have to try the Gran Centenario Repasado, and then decide whether I'm a VIP or not.

Thank you.

[Chicago Sean]

As odd as it may seem Mexcal - other than Tequila - is more popular in much of the US than it is in Mexico outside of Oaxaca and the central highlands.

Artisan Mexcal such as Del Maguey have become mainstream in better US establishments but still remain unknown in much of Mexico.

There is always good Tequila values in Playa. As mentioned in this thread Gran Centenario is very reliable and one of the brands that is much cheaper in Playa than in the US. I have also seen Espolon Blanco on recent trips being sold for 110 pesos.

[Jimontheriver]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

Who are you asking?
For me, Gran Centenario Repasado is my "everyday" tequila.
For my VIP guests I offer them Gran Centenario Repasado

I really like the Gran Centenario Plata in Margaritas

[Dalle]

Quote from a friend of mine: "The difference between Mezcal and Tequila is that tequila makes you drunk and crazy and mezcal makes you drunk and horny.."

Mezcal is usually served with lime and chili while tequila is served with lime and salt.

My fav for tequila is 1800 anejo.

[Chicago Sean]

Originally Posted by Jimontheriver

I really like the Gran Centenario Plata in Margaritas

+1 - this is usually very affordable in Playa and it does make a great margarita.

[Uno]

I like mezcal. It has a sort of dirty taste. As with tequila there is good and bad mezcal. The problem is, with bad tequila, you can get away with using it in a mixed drink to use it up. I can't do ANYTHING with bad mezcal.

[Rissask]

As with tequila there is good and bad mezcal.

yup. I think that is an accurate statement, why wouldn't it be so- they are both basically the same liquor, made from the same source.

To me, they are both yucky ....but the good ones are a bit less yucky. And mezcal is the yuckiest.


Tequila can only be called that if it comes from Jalisco, true? All other agave liquors are known as mezcals.

[ErichandKim]

Originally Posted by Chicago Sean

As odd as it may seem Mexcal - other than Tequila - is more popular in much of the US than it is in Mexico outside of Oaxaca and the central highlands.

Artisan Mexcal such as Del Maguey have become mainstream in better US establishments but still remain unknown in much of Mexico.

There is always good Tequila values in Playa. As mentioned in this thread Gran Centenario is very reliable and one of the brands that is much cheaper in Playa than in the US. I have also seen Espolon Blanco on recent trips being sold for 110 pesos.

Ahhhh I thought it was just as popular as tequila. Before i stared drinking tequila, i always thought tequila had the worm.......it mescal that has the worm. And yes, i'm with you on Gran Centenario

[Uno]

Originally Posted by ErichandKim

Ahhhh I thought it was just as popular as tequila. Before i stared drinking tequila, i always thought tequila had the worm.......it mescal that has the worm. And yes, i'm with you on Gran Centenario

Not the case. Many mezcals do not have a worm in it. And that legend that the worm gives you visions? Not true. It's just a grub. It tastes like dirt. It's ( getting) to the worm that gives you visions.

Thete is a popular tourist brand, Cusano Rojo, that has the worm and a little chili salt packet with it. It is the Jose Quervo of mezcal. Honestly? I don't mind it, but I have never talked with anyone else that does.