Mezcal is a historic and traditional beverage from Mexico. It is as complex as it is celebrated.
As we explored in this post where we explain how it’s Mezcal made, this iconic spirit it’s crafted from different varieties of agave, each one being produced in different regions of Mexico.
In this post we will journey through the Mexican regions where Mezcal can be made.
Where is Mezcal Made in Mexico: Locations
Mezcal it’s produced in a large area of the territory of Mexico. In order for an area to be able to produce Mezcal, the main requirement is that the agave produced in that region must have a minimum amount of natural sugars for the distillation process.
These areas are normally protected by the Denomination of Origin Mezcal or DOM.
Mezcal Producing States
Among the mezcal-producing states, Oaxaca stands as the most renowned, with about 85% of all the production being crafted within its borders.
Other states with official mezcal regions of Mexico include Durango, Guerrero, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, and Guanajuato.
Each of these mezcal states contributes its unique twist to mezcal, creating a rich tapestry of flavors and styles.
Where Can Mezcal Be Made?
As we pointed out before, according to the government of Mexico, authentic mezcal can only come from the country’s official Denomination of Origin.
This means that for a drink, to be officially certified as mezcal, it must come from these DO specific mezcal regions of Mexico.
Certification and Authenticity
Mezcal is one of the most traditional Mexican drinks and it’s deeply connected with the evolution of the country and its people.
In order to preserve the spirit’s authenticity, the quality and to keep the traditional production methods alive, producers and maestros palenqueros must adhere to the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM).
This CRM is the government part tasked in regulating the industry of Mezcal, ensuring that the spirit is crafted in the locations that follow the guidelines marked in terms of cultivation and production of Mezcal.
Each bottle of Mezcal that it’s certified, carries a seal of approval. This seal guarantees that the Mezcal follows the standards marked by the DOM and the CRM.
Conclusions
Mezcal has grown not only in production, where in the last 10 years the production has almost multiplied by 8, but also in popularity.
More and more mixologists around the world are using Mezcal to create innovative cocktails to introduce the spirit’s unique flavor to an explorer eager for unique tastes.
This rising in market demand has led to an increase in the production of wild agave, the main ingredient for Mezcal crafting.
Therefore, we believe that it is crucial for Mexico to maintain these certifications that guarantee that the tradition, the quality and sustainability of mezcal production remain safeguarded.
