TEQUILA Y MEZCAL
These rich spirits, Tequila and Mezcal, are created and distilled by processing the hailed agave, or maguey, plant. Still, each has special histories, production methods, and flavor signatures that date back centuries. To better understand their difference, a good phrase is, ‘Tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila.’ Mezcal is an ancient Mexican spirit deep-rooted in the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations. Its origins date back thousands of years to the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico, dating back to the mid-1700s.
Mezcal is a spirit made from agave, known as maguey in Spanish. The word mezcal (mescal or mexcal) translates to ‘Oven-cooked agave,’ deriving from the Nahuatl words metl (maguey) and ixcalli (baked). The journey to elaborate mezcal can take up to a decade, as harvesting mature agave plants takes time to reach maturity, and craftsmen must put time into the process. The indigenous people first used Mezcal in rituals and ceremonies in parts of Mexico, from festivals and weddings to cultural celebrations like the Day of the Dead.
Tequila is a well-known Mexican alcohol made from blue agave. It has been consumed since the 16th century and has gained popularity worldwide. Tequila is exclusively made in certain states of Mexico, with Guadalajara, Jalisco, a prime agave-growing and production region. Its first use dates back to the Olmecs, one of the earliest Meso-American civilizations, who used it in religious rituals.
The Mexican government declared the term ‘Tequila’ a Mexican intellectual property in 1974. This means it is illegal for other countries to make or sell any product called tequila. Tequila must be made in specific areas of Mexico, including the state of Jalisco and municipalities in Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacan, and Tamaulipas.
Tequila is classified according to its age as Plata, Reposado, or Anejo, and this also protects worker’s rights and nurtures tequila traditions ( Tequila Regulatory Council).
​
For us, showcasing our rich history and traditions here in the Inland Northwest during our Tacos y Tequila Festival is also a way to increase public awareness and pride in our Hispanic Latino culture and get people to appreciate our centuries-old roots.
DRINKS OFFERED
