The main difference between tequila and mezcal lies in the type of agave plant used in their production. Tequila is made from the blue agave and mezcal is made from the maguey plant (a form of agave native to Mexico). Another notable difference can be found in their production techniques.

The harvesting of blue agave to produce tequila has changed very little over the past few hundred years. Specially trained man called “jimadores” use a coa (special knife) to harvest the piñas. After this, the piña is shredded and juiced into special fermentation tanks. Tequila is distilled once to produce what is called “ordinario”, which is a milky-type liquid. It is then distilled a second time to produce silver tequila. At this point, it can either be bottled as a plata or silver tequila, or aged anywhere from two months to over five years to yield a Joven, Reposado, Añejo or Extra Añejo.

Mezcal is produced in a similar manner by harvesting the piña of the maguey plant. Dissimilarly, the piñas are cooked for about three days in pit ovens before being mashed for fermentation. This stage of the production process gives the mezcal its signature smoke flavor. Another difference is that mezcal is typically distilled only once, resulting in a slightly harsher flavor/texture. Finally, it is aged in wood barrels anywhere from one month to over four years. Mezcal doesn’t  have a specific set of classes, however, there are two types: those made with 100% maguey and those mixed with 60% maguey, among other ingredients (tequila is also categorized this way using either 100% agave or at least 51% + additives).

Ingredients: 

• 2.5 oz tequila or mezcal
• 1oz Sunkist Sweet & Sour Mix
• 1 dollop of muddled jalapeño + agave nectar 
• 1 teaspoon of agave nectar
• Top with 0.5oz of Hennessey cognac

With Tequila:

La Puerta Negra Tequila

Very sweet and tart, but the intensity was cut down a little bit by the cognac. This also brought out a light smokiness in the aftertaste. The flavor of the jalapeños were detectable, but there was very little spice. Overall, very smooth with fairly high drinkability.

Cazadores Reposado Tequila

This combination was stronger on all fronts from jalapeño flavor and spice to tequila's flavor and sweet tanginess. Although the flavors were stronger, everything remained fairly well balanced and very smooth from start to finish.

7 Leguas Reposado Tequila

Smoothest variation of the week. The flavors were mellower than the Cazadores version, but everything was also well balanced. A light spice from the jalapeño was also detected. Excellent choice if you’re looking for a crisp, refreshing version of the cocktail.

Magave Tequila

The Tequila was more peppery than previous samplings, which enhanced the spiciness of the jalapeño. This may have also cut the stronger citrus notes from the sweet and sour mix. Overall a good combination but a little too heavy on the spice. 

With Mezcal:

Scorpion Mezcal

This combination had a dry smoky, leather-like flavor that cut through much of the sweetness/tartness of the sweet & sour mix. The stronger flavors of the mixers were balanced with the addition of the smoke. Very smooth finish with high drinkability.

San Juan Del Rio Mezcal

This mezcal yielded a much stronger smoke flavor that carried on through the finish. Slightly rougher in flavor, which muffled the other ingredients. Finish was long and lingering with essences of smoke and sweetness.

Mezcal Real De Magueyes Añejo

Much lighter combination than the first two days. Flavor was very earthy in essence with mild flavor, light smokiness and honey sweetness. This version was also much smoother than the two previous days. Very well balanced cocktail that can be enjoyed repetitively.

Oro de Oaxaca Mezcal

Another very smoky combination that contained a strong agave flavor (most mezcal-like of the week). The liquor itself was very potent and dynamic, however, it overpowered most of the other flavors in the cocktail.

El Ultimo Agave Reposado

The last combination yielded average smoke flavor with moderately high smoothness. This wasn’t as balanced in flavor as the other versions, but the mezcal did add an additional element of spice that helped set this apart from the rest of the mezcals.

Verdict:

With Tequila: 7 Leguas Reposado

This was the overall favorite of the tequilas due to the mellow, balanced flavors and perfect hint of spice. Great for continual sipping on a hot day, while the other combinations were a little more on the heavy side.

With Mezcal: Scorpion Mezcal

This version contained the most distinctive and dynamic smoke flavors that one would expect from a mezcal, while maintaining good drinkability and balance of flavors. The other mezcals tended to be too strong, which overpowered the other flavors in the cocktail. It wasn’t quite as mellow and refreshing as the tequila variation, but it was yielded more potent flavor.