Is mezcal stronger than tequila?

Usually a little. Most tequila is bottled at 40%, while many mezcals sit between 40% and 50%.

Is mezcal just smoky tequila?

Not quite. Tequila is one specific kind of mezcal, made from blue agave in set regions. Mezcal covers many agaves and older, smokier ways of cooking them.

Mezcal vs tequila: what's the difference?

Both are Mexican agave spirits, but tequila is made from one agave and usually tastes clean and peppery, while mezcal roasts its agave in pits and tastes smoky.

Mezcal

Easy

Boozy

Tart

Sweet

Not bitter

Bracing

Smoky, earthy and wild, like tequila that sat by a campfire.

What does Mezcal taste like?

Tequila

Easy

Boozy

Tart

Sweet

Not bitter

Bracing

Clean, peppery and bright, especially the unaged blanco.

What does Tequila taste like?

The real difference

All tequila is technically mezcal, but not the other way round. Tequila comes from blue agave, mostly steamed in ovens. Mezcal can use dozens of agaves, and the hearts are roasted in earth pits over wood, which is where the smoke comes from.

Side by side

MezcalTequila

Made fromMany kinds of agave, roasted in pitsBlue agave only, usually oven-steamed

TastesSmoky, earthy, sometimes funkyClean, peppery, citrusy

On a menuSmoky margaritas, mezcal Negronis, sipped neatMargaritas, palomas, shots, sipped neat if aged

Which to order

Order mezcal if you like smoke, peat or a Negroni with more going on.
Order tequila if you want a bright, clean margarita or paloma.

Quick questions

Is mezcal stronger than tequila?: Usually a little. Most tequila is bottled at 40%, while many mezcals sit between 40% and 50%.
Is mezcal just smoky tequila?: Not quite. Tequila is one specific kind of mezcal, made from blue agave in set regions. Mezcal covers many agaves and older, smokier ways of cooking them.