Mezcal Has Reached Its Prime
The Daily Page has a good article summing up mezcal, tequila’s cousin with the gross-looking worm. The drink has had lax production statndards, a bad reputation, and a worm that looks and tastes gross to most people. As a result, it’s shady past has caused people to shy away from the drink. However, due to recent changes in Mexican law and the advent of finer mezcals, it just might be the perfect time to take up drinking it.
Mezcal must now be made from 100% maguey (agave) and have the region of origin on the label. Nothing else can be marketed as mezcal. The best ones are from Oaxaca, and they tend to be expensive around $50 and up.
Mezcal is more complex than tequila, deriving its taste from a grilling and roasting process that gives it a smokiness.
