Internationally, mezcal has been recognized as an Appellation of Origin (AO, DO) since 1994. [13] [14] There is also a Geographical Indication (GI), originally limited to the states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango, San Luis Potosí, Puebla and Zacatecas. Similar products are made in Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas, but these have not been included in the mezcal DO. [14] a b c d e Lagasse, Erich. "Mezcal: típico afrodisíaco mexicano"[Mezcal:Typical Mexican Afrodisiac] (in Spanish). Univision. Archived from the original on 29 March 2010 . Retrieved 19 October 2009. Mezcal is made from over 30 agave species, varieties, and subvarieties, in contrast with tequila, which is made only with blue agave. [20] Of many agave species that can be used to make mezcal, seven are particularly notable. [14] There is no exhaustive list, as the regulations allow any agaves, provided that they are not used as the primary material in other governmental Denominations of Origin. [21] The term silvestre "wild" is sometimes found, but simply means that the agaves are wild (foraged, not cultivated); it is not a separate variety. Max Garrone. "When does a mezcal deserve to be a mezcal?". mezcalistas.com . Retrieved 8 June 2021.

a b c d Taibo, Paco Ignacio. "Misterio y magia del mezcal"[Mystery and magic of mezcal] (in Spanish). Mexico City: Mexico Desconocido. Archived from the original on 29 March 2010 . Retrieved 9 October 2009. Hailing from and proudly showcasing the vibrant and colourful Oaxaca region, the brands only use the finest Espadín plants in production and the most sustainable methods. Agaves or magueys are endemic to the Americas and found globally as ornamental plants. More than 90% of mezcal is made in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, but is now produced and commercialized throughout Mexico for the national and international market. Native fermented drinks from maguey plant, such as pulque, existed before the arrival of the Spanish.Zavala, Juan Carlos (11 January 2021). "Uso del agua, el lado oscuro tras el "boom" de la industria del mezcal en Oaxaca". Oaxaca (in Spanish) . Retrieved 11 January 2021. Traditionally, mezcal is handcrafted by small-scale producers. [4] A village can contain dozens of production houses, called fábricas or palenques, [5] each using methods that have been passed down from generation to generation, some using the same techniques practiced 200 years ago. [25] This is an important difference with tequila which is nowadays mostly produced industrially. [26] Eddie Smyth of Tariff & Dale in Manchester took second place with a drink called Manhattan and Mole, which was a perfectly balanced, classic-style sipper served with delicious brownies that went down a treat. Excellent work Eddie… a b c Galicia, Angelica (9 September 2007). "¡Salud a la mexicana!: el mezcal"[Health, Mexican Style: Mezcal] (in Spanish). Mexico City: Terra . Retrieved 19 October 2009.

While fermented drinks from agave (like pulque) is pre-colonial, [10] the distillation of agave heart juice into mezcal was only introduced in the colonial era. How stills reached New Spain remains a point of scholarly dispute; some historians attribute the propagation of distillation to the Spanish who learned the process during the Moorish rule of Iberia, while others trace its origins to Filipino sailors who, after the opening of the galleon trade in the 1570s, brought stills with them to make vino de coco (coconut liquor). [11] Love Drinks’ summer mezcal competition for its award-winning Zignum and El Recuerdo brands has shifted up a gear with the ten finalists announced following the conclusion of three incredibly competitive semi-finals. Samantha Burke, Managing Director of Love Drinks, said: “The Mezcal star has been rising and even the pandemic hasn’t dented people’s interest and enthusiasm for it. These two brands have been leading the charge with flavour, authenticity, provenance and sustainability central to everything they do. Unlike how most tequila is consumed over here, mezcal is made to be savoured and works brilliantly with food so we’re excited by the prospects in 2021.”

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The ZIGNUM distillery also has a prominent focus on the environment, with its Método Verde® Sustainability Programs aimed at having the lowest possible environmental impact. As well as operating its own wastewater treatment facility, ZIGNUM also uses solar energy for heating; is certified “Clean Industry” by Mexico’s Ministry for Environmental Protection, and Kosher, among other quality designations. The distillery is also animal cruelty-free, with no mules or horses used. Zignum is inspired by the beauty of the most important civilisation of the Zapotec culture, Monte Albán, the ancient city synonymous with Oaxaca and the famous Zapotec temples. Zignum Reposado is aged in American White Oak barrels and is celebrated as an exceptionally smooth mezcal, winning it many awards along the way. a b c d "Oaxaca Mezcal". Go Oaxaca. Archived from the original on 19 May 2011 . Retrieved 5 June 2011.

For both drinks, mixologists had to use a minimum of 30ml of the chosen mezcal and have a maximum of 1 homemade ingredient. Mixologists will also face a special margarita round that will be judged on final day. a b c d e f "Mezcal"[Mezcal] (in Spanish). Oaxaca: Municipality of Oaxaca. Archived from the original on 28 July 2009 . Retrieved 19 October 2009. The time in the barrel has turned the mezcal into a beautiful golden colour. On the nose there’s barely a hint of smoke, but there’s a definite vanilla sweetness, rich caramel/toffee aromas, some oakiness, and a dash of spice. It smells intriguing.Inaugura URO XII Feria Internacional del Mezcal"[XII International Festival of Mezcal opens] (in Spanish). Oaxaca: State of Oaxaca. 20 July 2009 . Retrieved 19 October 2009. I’ve tasted lots of mezcals and they had always been clear spirits, as that’s the way they’re normally drunk – joven or unaged. But then two non-clear mezcals turned up on the same day – an El Recuerdo Abocado Con Gusano Mezcal, which amongst other things made a fantastic mezcal and tonic, and this, the ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo. ZIGNUM Mezcal Label Detail ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo Resolution granting Protection of the Appellation of Origin 'Mezcal', to be applied to Alcoholic Beverages of the same Name (MX083)". Is mezcal stronger than tequila is a question people often ask, which is why I’ve answered it. There are also differences between mezcal and tequila, in terms of where it can be made, and what it can be made from. Making ZIGNUM Mezcal Aňejo

Mezcal tamaulipeco quiere conquistar paladares nacionales"[Mezcal from Tamaulipas wanted to conquer national palates]. El Universal (in Spanish). Mexico City. 9 August 2009 . Retrieved 9 October 2009. Working in a socially responsible way, the company aims to showcase its great love for the rich cultural heritage of Oaxaca. Catering for the beginners, early adopters, enthusiasts and experts, the company’s brands are in the top ten of the most sold and recognised brands in Mexico.Love Drinks is an independent import, distribution and marketing company for premium quality spirits, liqueurs and craft beers. Their portfolio represents quality, craft-distilled and family-owned brands that have a rich provenance, heritage and history. A growing trend in the last few years across the UK, Mezcal is defined as any agave-based liquor and can be made from over 30 varieties of agave, such as Espadín, Tobalá, Tobaziche, Tepeztate, Arroqueño and Blue Agave, which is famously used to make tequila.