Although the origins of mezcal are unclear, the most accepted legend states that mezcal was created when a lightning bolt struck an agave plant, cooking it and tearing up, releasing the juice from the inside... creating a drink from heaven.
The agave was considered a sacred plant during pre-hispanic times in Mexico since it played an important role in religious ceremonies and rituals. It is believed that the distillation process used to produce liquors such as mezcal was introduced by Spaniards.
Mezcal is the result of an artisanal process. Agave plants must be at least 6 yrs old to be harvested by a jimador (a person who harvests agave) who will recollect the heart of the plant and place it in a underground earthen pit with volcanic rocks and wood that will be set on fire then, the pit will be covered with dirt causing the rocks to heat up.
This process usually lasts 3 days and once its over, all the piñas (hearts of agave) are smashed for its further distillation.
The history, time and labor behind the process have made it the perfect companion. There is a mezcal for each taste, if you fear it can be too strong for you and would rather drink something sweeter, try the guava mezcal, you will love it.
And remember... mezcal is meant to be kissed: slowly and sip by sip, savor it, try to find all its notes and aromas with the company of those who are important for you.
"Para todo mal, mezcal, para todo bien, también. Y si no hay remedio, litro y medio"
* If you are in Cancun there are two mezcalerías you can go to: "La sabina" and "Don Libando"
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