Mezcal, like tequila, is a spirit made from agave. The name comes from the Nahuatl word mexcalli, meaning “overcooked agave.” Yum!
Agave for mezcal is smoked to produce a rich flavor that separates it from tequila. Mezcal is to tequila as scotch is to whiskey, you could say.
And before you ask – no, it does not contain mescaline. It’s potent enough as-is! Steer clear of bottles with a worm or scorpion at the bottom; it’s a gross novelty that does not usually bode well for the quality of the spirit.
