Recently, mezcal has experienced an increased popularity and growth in sales outside of its native Mexico and has become a top shelf spirit. We’re willing to bet good money that our readers have indulged in Tequila more than a couple of times, but our readers might not be as familiar with what we like to think of as tequila’s older, smokier, and all-around more mature brother: mezcal.
See below for some important mezcal facts your readers should know:
· How Mezcal is Made:
o Whereas tequila must be made specifically from blue agave, mezcal can be made from any of the 150 agave species native to Mexico, and even a blend of different types.
o Espadín is the most common agave, used to produce 90 percent of mezcals, and is the grandfather to blue agave (which is why mezcals made from it might taste familiar to seasoned tequila drinkers) and one of the hardiest succulents. It also has a high sugar content, resulting in Espadín mezcals that are fruitier and more floral. Convite’s Esencial and Espadín-Madrecuishe are produced with Espadín agaves.
· Where Mezcal is Made:
o Mezcal is produced in seven Mexican states: Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas, and Guanajuato. Convite Mezcal comes from Oaxaca.
Founded in 2013, the artisanal mezcal’s name comes from a Oaxacan term that roughly translates to “invitation to feast.” Convite Mezcal pays homage to its native heritage, from the generations-old production methods, to the design of its premium bottles—evoking a “cántaros de barro negro,” or the traditional black clay pot historically used to store mezcal.
· Where to Purchase Convite Mezcal:
o With three expressions, Convite Mezcal Esencial ($44.99 SRP), Convite Mezcal Espadín-Madrecuishe ($69.99 SRP), and Convite Mezcal Coyote ($159.99 SRP)- your readers can purchase Convite Mezcal at retail stores like Binny’s in select states or online via OldTownTequila.com or Wine.com.
