Join us for a relaxed Tequila & Mezcal tasting as we celebrate the vibrant world of agave spirits at Waterford Wine & Spirits! Whether you’re new to these iconic Mexican spirits or looking to expand your palate, this is the perfect opportunity to taste, learn, and discover your next favorite bottle.
Though Tequila and mezcal contrast in many ways, they share a common origin in the heart of the agave. From this remarkable plant, the people of Mexico derive their two national spirits, each one with its own qualities and nuances.
To the indigenous peoples of modern-day Mexico, the agave plant was sacred. Its leaves provided food and medicine, and its fibers could be woven or burned for fuel. But perhaps its greatest value was its core, full of sap that could be fermented to create a drink called pulque. When European colonists brought distillation to the region in the 16th century this agave wine was distilled to create the first agave spirits – the precursor to modern Mexico’s most famous export, Tequila.
Mexico is home to numerous agave species, but only one is used to make Tequila. The blue Weber agave thrives in the state of Jalisco, where it has been cultivated around the town of Tequila for generations. Today, the Tequila valley and the Jaliscan Highlands of Los Altos are responsible for more than 90% of the Tequila we drink. These regions – as well as several smaller production areas outside of Jalisco – offer unique growing conditions that directly affect the flavor of the finished product.
While Tequila is without a doubt Mexico’s most famous export, there’s an argument to be made that the real national drink is mezcal. This traditional agave spirit has been enjoyed by people at all levels of Mexican society for generations – starting when the first pot stills arrived from Europe and were put to work distilling the local agave wine. Though it is often defined as smoky in character, mezcal is one of the most diverse spirits on earth, ranging in style from delicate and tropical to robust and earthy.
While Tequila can only legally be made with one species of agave, mezcal producers regularly use more than 30 varieties, each one deriving its character from particular combinations of landscape and climate. It can take a decade or more for the agaves to reach maturity, at which point they are harvested and roasted to develop the sugars within. Traditionally, this takes place in wood burning ovens or pits known as hornos where many mezcals acquire their distinctive smokiness.
Broadly speaking it can be useful to think of Tequila as cleaner and more refined, while mezcal is often more rustic in style with a pronounced smokiness.
Stop by on Tuesday, July 29, anytime between 6:00 and 7:30 to sample a curated selection of tequilas and mezcals, from bright and zesty blancos to rich, smoky artisanal mezcals. Our expert on all things agave, Alex Steele, will be pouring and sharing insight into each spirit’s origin, production method, and tasting profile.
Join us to learn the difference between tequila and mezcal, agave types to production styles, while tasting premium expressions of both!
Here’s what we plan to taste:
• G4 Tequila Blanco $61.99
• G4 Tequila Reposado $61.99
• El Buho Mezcal Artesanal $60.99
• Palomo Mezcal Artesanal Con Cafe $64.99
• TBA!
(Prices shown are suggested retail prices. You will enjoy discounted pricing the night of the event!)
Whether you’re shopping for summer cocktails, a gift, or just looking to try something new, this is a fun and flavorful way to deepen your appreciation for Mexico’s most famous spirits. Explore the Spirit of Mexico with us - one sip at a time!
Ticket price credited towards a purchase of these spirits.