This distinction ensures that the Tequila is of higher quality and minimizes the risk of experiencing hangovers. The old adage goes, “All Tequila is Mezcal, but not all Mezcal is Tequila.” Mexico’s Mezcal spirit is made from the fermented and distilled sugars of agave plants. Unlike Tequila, which must use the Weber blue agave and be made within the designated Tequila appellation, Mezcal can be produced from one of dozens of agave species and doesn’t need to be made in a specific region.

Kowalewski, Stephen A.; Feinman, G.; Finsten, L.; Blanton, R.; Nicholas, L. (1989). "Monte Albán's Hinterland, Part II: The Prehispanic Settlement Patterns in Tlacolula, Etla and Ocotlán, the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico". University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Museum of Anthropology Memoir 23. 23. Lou Bank founded S.A.C.R.E.D (Saving Agave for Culture, Recreation, Education and Development)—a ... [+] 501(c)3 not-for-profit that uses traditional and artisanal agave spirits as a channel to advance the communities that produce these truly special mezcals and raicilla. Cory James For individuals who enjoy exploring and analyzing various types of spirits, this Mezcal may offer some curiosity as it offers a wide variety of chemical flavors worth examining.

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This characteristic makes it more suitable for sipping on its own, offering a different experience compared to the other two. How to drink Monte Alban? Its relatively affordable price point and relatively smooth taste make it a viable choice for those seeking Tequila that is suitable for shots. Is it 100% agave? Monte Alban and Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Tequila are produced at the same distillery, resulting in a somewhat similar taste profile between the two. a b c Blanton, Richard E. (1978). Monte Albán: Settlement Patterns at the Ancient Zapotec Capital. New York: Academic Press. It is likely that this Tequila has been infused with additives, as it exhibits flavors such as vanilla and caramel that are not typically found in Blanco Tequila.

None. That’s right, no tequila has a worm in it. That's another common misconception. The Mexican spirit that has a worm in that bottom is actually as you’ve probably guessed by now Mezcal. Tequila and mezcal are quite similar as covered in my article on the difference between them Tequila and Mezcal, so the misunderstanding is acceptable. Symmetry was not a major concern for the layout of Monte Albán plaza. Although the angles within the plaza are not perfect 90-degree corners, the plaza appears to be a rectangle without actually being so. The structures are not laid out in a symmetrical fashion, as the distances between the structures vary greatly from building to building. Construction methods used for orientation changed as Monte Albán expanded. Early structures, on the western side of the plaza, are rotated south of east, while later structures align more with the cardinal directions. The myth, the legend, the confusion of that floating worm inside our tequila bottles. Some of us have never even seen one other than in movies. Is it even a real thing? Does it still exist? I’m here to tell you that yes it does exist, and yes it is still a thing. Despite its unfavorable nose, it actually offers a reasonable taste, especially considering its affordable price point.

Why is there a worm in tequila?

So if you want to change up your drinking game for Cinco de Mayo—or any day on the calendar—Bank curated some unforgettable mezcals for those with other preferred pours: “My great hope is to get people to drink more agave spirits that have been made the non-industrial way. But I don’t believe that the public can just jump from drinking vodka-and-soda to drinking neat spirits that taste like cheese or roasted poblanos. So I’ve designed a list of offerings that I hope can meet people where they are, and perhaps offer them a path toward drinking the kinds of crazy agave spirits that I love—so that the people who make these spirits find the kind of financial reward that enables them to continue making what their families have been creating for generations.” While the alcohol content prevents Tequila from freezing, the lower temperature can affect the flavor and aroma. Does Monte Alban use additives? Contrary to the belief perpetuated by some, you don’t necessarily need expensive Tequilas to create good Margaritas.

Monte Alban Tequila may not be on the path to winning any prestigious awards in the foreseeable future.

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It is crafted by Beneva in Oaxaca, Mexico, for Barton Brands, which now belongs to Sazerac Rye, which owns some of the best bourbon brands in the world, such as Weller, Pappy Van Winkle, and Blanton’s. Unlike tequila, most mezcals are still produced the old-fashioned way—by communities and families in ... [+] rural Mexico, sans industrial equipment. S.A.C.R.E.D Agave Some think the worm in the bottle started as a marketing ploy, to get people to drink more mezcal in the 1940s and 1950s. Word has it a former art student-turned-mezcal entrepreneur named Jacobo Lozano Paez got the idea to actually put the gusano into the bottle of finished mezcal after realizing that the gusano changed the flavor of the spirit. (Since gusano feed on the maguey plant, it happened that sometimes a heart would be roasted with worms in it; this is, again supposedly, where Paez got the idea.) These very same breeds of agave worms are known to feed on peyote cactus, from which the psychedelic drug mescaline is refined.

The initial taste on the palate is overwhelmingly hot and boozy, with a strong pepper flavor dominating the experience. Caso, Alfonso (1932). "Monte Albán, richest archaeological find in the Americas". National Geographic Magazine. 62: 487–512.The key to a good Margarita lies in using fresh lime juice and quality, natural ingredients rather than focusing solely on the price tag of the tequila. However, once a bottle is opened, the exposure to air can gradually affect its taste and aroma over time. Contrary to my previous experience with Monte Alban Mezcal, which I found to be the worst Mezcal I’ve ever tried, the Tequila version exceeded my expectations. Monte Alban can indeed be a suitable choice for crafting a decent Margarita, especially when paired with fresh lime juice and other high-quality ingredients. Is it good for shots? The insights I’ve gained aren’t just from books or hearsay; they are the result of hands-on experience, countless tastings, and an enduring passion for these spirits.