What Is Mezcal?

Mezcal is a Mexican alcoholic spirit made from cooked, fermented and distilled agave. It’s often known for its smoky flavor, but it can also taste fruity, earthy, floral or herbal. The type of agave and the way it’s made help give each mezcal its own character.

For travelers curious about Mexican food and culture, mezcal offers plenty to discover. Behind each bottle are plants that take years to grow, skilled makers and traditions passed through families. A tasting can introduce you to those stories while helping you find flavors you enjoy.

Here’s what to know about mezcal, from its roots in Mexico to what you might notice in your first sip.

What Is Mezcal Made From?

Mezcal is made from the heart of the agave plant, also called maguey. After the long leaves are removed, the remaining center resembles a large pineapple. This heart is known as a piña, the Spanish word for pineapple.

Mezcal producers can use many different agave species. Espadín is the most common, so you’ll likely see that name when exploring a tasting menu or reading bottle labels. Other names you may encounter include tobalá and tepeztate.

The agave variety is one clue to a mezcal’s flavor. Where the plant grows and how the producer works with it also make a difference.

Where Does Mezcal Come From?

Mezcal comes from Mexico, with Oaxaca especially well known for its production. Other producing states include Durango, Guerrero and Puebla.

Its story begins with Mexico’s long relationship with agave. Indigenous communities used the plant for food, drinks and fibers long before modern mezcal brands existed. The word mezcal comes from Nahuatl and is commonly translated as “cooked agave.”

Today, many producers continue to use methods learned within their families and communities. These traditions help explain why mezcals from different places can have such distinct personalities. Learning about the maker and the village can be just as interesting as tasting what’s in the glass.

How Is Mezcal Made?

Mezcal production involves harvesting, cooking, crushing, fermenting and distilling agave. The tools and methods vary, but these main steps turn the plant into the finished spirit:

• Harvesting: Mature agave plants are harvested and their leaves removed to reveal the hearts.
• Cooking: The hearts are cooked to make their sugars available for fermentation. Many traditional producers use underground ovens lined with hot stones.
• Crushing: The cooked agave is broken apart to release its juices. Producers may use hand tools, mills or a large stone wheel.
• Fermenting: Yeast turns the sugars into alcohol.
• Distilling: The fermented mixture is heated in a still, concentrating the alcohol and collecting the spirit.

Even small differences along the way can affect the result. A producer’s choice of oven, fermentation vessel or still helps shape the flavors you’ll discover during a tasting.

What Does Mezcal Taste Like?

Mezcal can taste smoky, fruity, earthy, herbal or floral. Some varieties have a bold roasted flavor, while others feel lighter and more delicate.

During a tasting, you might notice:

• Smoke: A flavor that may remind you of a wood fire.
• Fruit: Hints of citrus or ripe fruit.
• Herbs: Fresh, green or grassy notes.
• Earth: Flavors that bring soil or minerals to mind.

You don’t need to identify every flavor to enjoy the experience. Start with what stands out to you, then listen to how your host describes it. Two people may notice different things in the same glass, and that can make the conversation more fun.

Why Is Mezcal Smoky?

Many mezcals get their smoky character from cooking agave in underground pits heated with wood and hot stones. The cooking process can add smoky aromas that carry into the finished spirit.

The intensity varies, though. Some mezcals are strongly smoky, while others have only a gentle hint. If you’re curious about mezcal but prefer lighter flavors, a tasting host can help you explore a less smoky option.

What Is the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila?

Mezcal and tequila are both Mexican agave spirits, but they differ in the plants they use, their production traditions and the regions where they’re made.

The main differences are:

• Agave: Tequila uses blue Weber agave. Mezcal can use a wider range of agave species.
• Cooking methods: Many traditional mezcals use pit-roasted agave. Tequila commonly uses other cooking methods, including above-ground ovens.
• Flavor: Mezcal often has a smoky character, while tequila commonly highlights cooked agave, pepper or herbal notes. Both offer a wide range of flavors.
• Origins: Each has its own designated production regions and cultural traditions.

A side-by-side tasting is an enjoyable way to explore these differences. Notice the aroma first, then compare the flavors in small sips.

How Do You Drink Mezcal?

Mezcal is traditionally sipped neat, meaning without ice or mixers. Serving it at room temperature lets you explore its aroma and flavor.

For a first tasting, keep it simple:

• Pause to smell it: Notice whether the aroma seems fruity, smoky or herbal.
• Take a small sip: Give yourself time to notice the flavor.
• Ask about its origin: Learning the agave variety and where it was made can help you understand what you’re tasting.
• Try a food pairing: See how a bite of food changes the flavors you notice.

Mezcal also appears in cocktails, including variations on margaritas. Whether you prefer a small tasting pour or a mixed drink, there are several ways to get to know it.

Discover Mezcal on a Mexico Shore Excursion

A guided tasting offers a chance to ask questions, explore different flavors and learn from a local host. Royal Caribbean’s options include experiences in both Cozumel and Ensenada.

Mole and Mezcal Pairings in Cozumel

Small Group: Seven Divine Pairings - Mole & Mezcal introduces guests to seven regional mole sauces paired with seven mezcals from across Mexico.

At the Mole & Mezcal Laboratory, a local expert guides the experience, with mini tortillas served alongside the sauces. It’s an inviting option for travelers who enjoy discovering how food and drink work together.

Mezcal and Tequila Tasting in Ensenada

Become a Mezcal and Tequila Connoisseur explores both spirits during an outing in Ensenada. For anyone curious about their differences, it offers a natural follow-up to learning about agave and Mexican drink traditions.

Explore the excursions available for your sailing to find current tasting options, inclusions and participation requirements.

Why Discover Mezcal in Mexico?

Learning about mezcal brings you closer to the people and traditions behind a familiar name on a drinks menu. You might discover a flavor you didn’t expect or hear a story that changes how you think about the agave fields.

As you plan your cruise to Ensenada, Mexico, a guided tasting can be a flavorful addition to your time ashore. Bring your curiosity and let a local host introduce you to something new.