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Mezcal black bottles come in different types that are often based on the kind of agave used in production, the distillation process, and the aging duration. Some of the most common types include:
Joven Mezcal
Joven Mezcal, sometimes labeled as Oro or Abocado, is unaged and bottled directly after distillation, sometimes with added artificial coloring. Young mezcal still retains the strong flavor of the agave plant.
Reposed mezcal
Reposed mezcal is sometimes called Rested. It ages for a short period between 2 and 11 months in wooden barrels, normally giving it a smoother taste compared to joven. The wooden aging adds some secondary flavors to the mezcal, creating a more complex profile.
Añejo Mezcal
Añejo Mezcal is aged for a minimum of 1 year in wooden barrels, normally giving it a smooth and more complex flavor profile. The long aging period greatly reduces the sharpness of the mezcal, thus making it softer and easier to consume.
Doble Pura Mezcal
Doble Pura Mezcal is made from double-distilled mezcal. This mezcal has a higher alcohol content. It is normally drier and sharper, with a more intense agave flavor because it has not been diluted.
ANP Mezcal
ANP Pura Mezcal is aged in barrels that have been previously used to age tequila. This gives it unique flavors not found in other mezcals. It is smooth and complex, much sought after by fans of alcoholic drinks.
The bottling of mezcal is very important since it ensures the safety of the product and also serves as an advertisement to potential customers. Below are some common features of mezcal black bottles:
Material
Most mezcal bottles are made of black glass, which is thick and provides UV protection. This prevents the mezcal from degrading due to light exposure, thus ensuring its quality.
Shape
Mezcal bottles come in various shapes, from tall and slim to squat and round. The choice of shape can be determined by the brand's identity or heritage. For example, traditional brands may use more classic shapes, while modern brands may prefer a more contemporary look.
Labeling and Branding
The label on the mezcal bottle normally contains important information about the product. This information includes the type of agave used, the production method, and sometimes the name of the maestro mezcalero. Labels can be very artistic and include Mexican cultural graphics or crafts to add value to the bottle.
Cork or Cap Seal
Mezcal bottles mostly use cork stoppers instead of metal caps. This is because cork helps keep the alcohol fresh and preserve its original flavor profile. High-end mezcals may even have a wax seal or other forms of sealing to prevent tampering.
Bottle Size
Mezcal bottles are available in several sizes, although the most popular size is the 750 ml bottle. Some brands may also offer larger or smaller bottles for special occasions or personal consumption.
The flavor profile of mezcal black bottles can differ based on a few factors. Below are the features that affect the flavor profile:
Agave Variety
There are more than 30 varieties of agave plants used to make mezcal. The most common ones are Espadin and Tobala. Each variety offers different flavors. For instance, Espadin is widely cultivated and has a sweet, earthy taste. Tobala is more complex and rare, giving fruity and floral notes.
Terroir
The term terroir refers to the environmental factors that affect the agave plant. These factors include soil composition and climate. Mezcal produced in different regions of Mexico will have varying flavor profiles. For example, agave from Oaxaca tends to be smoky, while other regions might offer a fruitier taste.
Cooking Process
Every mezcal maker has their own way of cooking the agave piñas. Some may use underground pits lined with river rocks, while others use more modern methods like steam baths. The cooking method significantly influences the smoky flavor of the mezcal.
Fermentation
Fermentation is normally done using wild yeasts for traditional mezcals and commercial yeasts for modern mezcals. Wild yeasts are preferred because they add more depth and complexity to the flavor. This happens because fermentation converts sugars into alcohol and the yeast type affects the flavor.
Distillation
Most mezcal is distilled in copper pot stills, although some producers use other types of stills. The distillation process contributes to the purity and quality of the resulting spirit. If it's double distilled, the mezcal will be stronger and purer.
Mezcals are highly versatile and can be consumed in different ways that will enhance their enjoyment. Below are common usages of black mezcal bottles:
Sipping neat
Many aficionados prefer drinking mezcal neat to appreciate its complex and smoky flavors. It is usually served in a small glass, allowing the consumer to inhale the aromas before tasting. This method is often utilized for high-quality aged mezcals that have smooth and refined flavors.
Cocktails
Mezcal can also be used as a substitute for tequila or whiskey in various cocktails. It adds depth and smokiness to drinks. Popular cocktails include the Mezcalita and Smoky Margarita and the Oaxaca Old-Fashioned. In these drinks, the mezcal's earthy notes combine well with other ingredients, resulting in a unique flavor profile.
Food Pairing
Mezcal goes well with many foods because of its strong and complex smoky flavors. It can be paired with grilled meats, seafood, and dishes containing citrus, since the acidity in the food balances the drink's richness. Mezcal is normally consumed during meals in a way that the flavors enhance one another for a better overall experience.
Cultural Traditions
In Mexico, mezcal is sometimes consumed during special occasions, celebrations, or rituals. In these events, it is usually accompanied by traditional sides like worms or sal de gusano (a mixture of ground worms, salt, and chili). People take mezcal together with food to make a bond between them, especially during fiestas or weddings.
Mixing with Water
Like other spirits, mezcal can be diluted with water to soften its intensity and allow the consumer to savor its full flavor. This technique is mainly used for higher-proof mezcals. Adding just a few drops of mineral or distilled water will open up the aromas and flavors, offering a fuller experience.
Choosing an ideal mezcal black bottle involves understanding certain key elements that directly affect the quality and taste of the drink. These elements include agave type, artisanal vs industrial production, aging, and tasting notes. Below is a comprehensive guide on the features to consider when choosing a quality mezcali black bottle:
Agave Variety
Mezcal can be made from more than 30 types of agave plants, but the most common is Espadin. Look for mezcals with notable varieties like Tobala, Tepeztate, or Madre Cuixe to enjoy unique flavors. Each agave type offers a different taste profile.
Artisanal vs Industrial
Artisanal mezcals are preferable since they are produced in small batches using traditional methods. They usually offer a more complex and richer flavor. Industrial mezcals are on a large scale and may use modern processes for a more uniform but less characterful product.
Aging
If preferring aged mezcal, choose joven (unaged), reposado (a few months aging), or añejo (at least one year aging). Each aging level provides a distinct tasting experience. For instance, añejo mezcals are smoother because of the long aging period.
Tasting Notes
These are the flavors that are recognized when tasting mezcal. Some may have earthy notes of smoke and ash, while others may be sweeter and fruitier. More refined bottles may contain notes of wood, vanilla, or dried fruit and herbs.
Brand Reputation
Consider the brand’s reputation and consumer reviews when choosing a mezcal bottle. Well-regarded brands offer quality and consistency in their products. They also provide information about the maker and their practices to help understand the product better.
A1.Tequila is a type of mezcal, so all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. There is only one agave plant called blue weber that is used to make tequila, but mezcal can be made using over 30 types of agave. Mezcal has a wider range of flavors and can be smokier than tequila.
A2.Yes, the black glass mezcal bottle can be reused or even repurposed. They are usually sturdy and can be used to store other liquids or as a decorative item. They can also be recycled with other glass materials to reduce environmental impact.
A3.Some bottles have a worm intentionally placed in them as a marketing strategy. The worm is usually roasted and wrapped in blue maguey agave threads, then placed in the bottle as a gimmick to draw customers' attention. Consuming the worm is said to give the drinker some strength or weird luck.
A4.Store the mezcal black bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Avoid storing it in the kitchen or near heat sources since this could alter its flavors. Keep it upright to maintain the integrity of the cork or seal.
A5.Meze cal aged for over one year is generally smoother because of the time spent in the barrel. The flavors become more integrated and complex, losing some of the rawness found in younger mezcals. They also pick up more woodsy and vanillin notes from the aging container.
