To understand a large number of alcoholic beverages is quite difficult. How to use them, with what to mix and how to supplement? Let's talk about one of the exotic spirits. Mescal - what is it? Produce it from agave juice in Mexico. There is a certain ritual for the use of this drink and a special technology for its production. As a raw material, mescal cactus is used, or rather its core. The strength of the drink is from 38 to 43 degrees.
Origin history
There are several legends about the origin of this drink. One of them says that the elderly Indian dreamed of the spirit of agave, which told him the recipe for making alcohol from cactus juice. Ancient Aztecs noticed that the juice left in the air after some time begins to ferment and turns into a low-alcoholic drink with a strength of about 3 degrees. It was used for religious events. Mezcal ordinary people drank only on holidays. The elite could use it any day. But getting drunk beyond measure was forbidden, moreover, it was punishable by death. The conquistadors who arrived on these lands appreciated the mezcal. That they were good raw materials for the production of strong alcohol, they understood immediately and taught the Indians to distill the drink. The result was a mezcal fortress of about 25 degrees. In 1600, the first factory for the production of this product was founded. The modern version of mescal is subjected to double distillation, which increases its strength.
Modern production: the first stage
Production technology has not changed much today. Various types of agave can be used for making. This is the difference between mezcal and tequila. For its production, only blue agave juice is taken . The core of the plant, whose age is at least 10 years old, is cleaned of leaves and roots. Its weight will be from 10 to 45 kilograms. Next, the raw materials are laid out in a special pit, having the shape of a cone and lined with stones. From above, the pulp is covered with palm fiber in several layers and sprinkled with earth. Charcoal fire is kindled above this structure and its smoldering is maintained for about 2-3 days. As a result of these manipulations, starch is converted into sugar, and the flesh acquires the smell of smoke. Today, many manufacturers carry out this procedure in steam ovens and autoclaves. In this case, the specific sweetish taste of agave is lost and the original smack of smoke disappears. But the result is a cleaner and stronger alcohol.
Second phase
Next, the pulp is removed from the pit and chopped. Then it is squeezed out, water and in some cases sugar are added. It is a misconception that in the production of mezcal, an additional sweetener is not used. As with tequila, the use of extraneous sugars within 49 percent is acceptable. If they are not added, then we get a 100% drink from agave juice, which is indicated on the label. Next, the fermentation process takes place, which lasts about 5 days. The period depends on weather conditions. Then the mash is subjected to double distillation. After that, the strength of the drink rises to 55 degrees. This is a very strong mezcal. Everyone knows that this is not the alcohol that gets on our tables, because it is diluted with distilled water to 38-40 degrees.
Types of Mescal
What is mezcal? What kind of drink is it and how does its quality depend on production technology? Silver mezcal is bottled immediately after distillation. It has no shutter speed and is very transparent. White is kept in barrels after distillation for about 3 months. He has a more pronounced taste, and he has no color. The golden drink is flavored with red pepper and tinted with caramel. From this, its characteristics improve, and the taste becomes softer. Mescal "Reposado" can withstand from 2 months to 1 year. For color, caramel is sometimes added to it. This drink has a pleasant aroma and taste. Brand "Anejo" has a longer exposure (from a year to three years). It has a natural gold color and a very unusual aroma. Anyejo Extra is aged for more than three years in barrels. This is the best mezcal with a delicious aroma, taste of agave and smoke. Each type of drink has its own distinctive features and is good in its own way.
Caterpillar Treats
Fans of this drink know that a good mezcal is with a caterpillar. The price of real alcohol is significant, but the quality corresponds to it. So, for example, the famous mezcal with a pear can be purchased in the range of 3.5-5 thousand rubles. The average cost of a drink ranges from 2.5 to 8 thousand rubles. Mezcal, which is produced for export, is bottled in a special form. A salt bag is attached to each of them. This is a mandatory attribute, because there is a certain culture of its use. The caterpillars that live inside the agave are necessarily added to the bag of salt, dried and ground into powder. A caterpillar is also placed in the bottle itself. In nature, this insect has a red color. If it gets into alcohol, it becomes colorless. Adding such an “accessory” is a marketing move. If the alcohol is of poor quality, the caterpillar will begin to decompose. So, if you bought a Mezcal "Divino Reposado" with a caterpillar and it is in excellent condition, you should know: this product is of very high quality. Sometimes the drink is poured into black not very high clay pots. The price of a product depends on its variety. Usually, the longer the mescal is aged, the richer its taste and aroma, respectively, the higher the cost.
How to use mezcal
An unusual drink raises the logical question: "How to drink mezcal?" A bag of salt and frayed caterpillars attached to the bottle is no coincidence. Like the famous tequila, mezcal is used with this spice, and the process itself is not much different. Pour a little alcohol into a high glass (about two centimeters). Separately cut lime slices. Pour a little salt on the back of your hand . Quickly lick it and drink it with mezcal. Then we seize the drink with a slice of lime. Such a ritual allows you to fully reveal all the taste qualities of this alcohol. It is traditional for the most popular Mexican products (mezcal and tequila) made from cacti.
Mezcal production areas
Of course, to try this mezcal with notes of local flavor, you must visit Mexico. Only here you will be offered an original drink in different cooking options. There can be about 20 such varieties, and each one can be tasted. The appetizer will be salt with caterpillars and hot pepper. Mezcal is produced in large quantities throughout Mexico. For export send a drink that is made in Oaxaca, in the town of Mitla. In addition to this manufacturer, there are several more who have been given permission to export the product abroad. The drink began to be imported to Europe since 1990.
Mescal use and effects
Alcoholic beverages, regardless of type and name, are harmful to health. Mezcal is no exception. Naturally, it is contraindicated in children and pregnant women. Excessive and frequent use of any alcohol leads to an exacerbation of chronic diseases and the appearance of deviations in the functioning of the human body. This is a violation of the nervous system, visual impairment, decreased potency in men and a malfunction in the liver.