Tequila and Mezcal: A quick guide to these noble & highly underrated spirits

PUBLISHED October 7th, 2013 02:10 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:33 pm

Tequila, tequila… it makes me happy…. well it certainly makes me very drunk. And I’m willing to bet that the vast majority of people reading this have had some experience at least once in their life where well, how does the song go?

1 Tequila, 2 tequila, 3 tequila, floor…… ‘Nuff said really.

It’s a sad fact that agave spirits have developed a horrid reputation for only being worthy of shots at clubs in an attempt to get trashed as quickly as possible. Tut tut people, tut tut (myself included in the tut).

High quality tequila (and mezcal) are more and more common these days and are well worth your attention.

General Manager and Head Honcho at 28 Hong Kong, Michael Callahan had some rather insightful things to say on the topic:

“Agave spirits are the forgotten noble spirits. Grain spirits (vodka, whisky etc) can be made from pretty much any fermentable grain. Cane (rum) grows anywhere in the world. Whereas agave, the piña plant which makes tequila and mezcal, has to grow for a minimum of 6-7 years before it can even be harvested…and that’s before production and maturation!”

Still think tequila and mezcal are just for dodgy shots and hangovers? Give these brands a try and see if we can change your mind. You might just be very, very impressed.

1) OCHO (Tequila)

The Blanco exhibits that main characteristic that we generally associate with tequila; strength. However, its full front agave flavouring is not harsh, but rather pleasant overall. However it was the Extra Añejo that really blew me away. Just incredible complexity. Aside from the obvious agave flavour, it shows some seriously earthy notes on the palate, turning spicy on the tongue and then a long, long finish. It’s a fantastic example of how complex and interesting a good tequila can be. This might be due to the fact that Ocho are the first distiller to create single estate, vintaged Tequila. Cocktail-wise, I’d love to try it with some Dry Vermouth and Campari.

Tequila Ocho is currently stocked at the following bars: The Black Swan, Club Street Social, La Pistola, Fordham & Grand, Lucha Loco, CUT, Bitters & Love, Kilo, The Cajun Kings, 28 Hong Kong Street, Tippling Club, Nektar, CÉ LA VI, La Maison du Whisky.

2) ArteNOM (Tequila)

What makes ArteNom so cool is that each bottling is done by a different artisanal producer. Even on each bottle you can find out all the information such as the distiller, location, elevation, longitude etc. It’s like looking at an old bottle of Cognac, just with more information.

These guys are smooth…light on the palate and easy to sip. Having said that, it’s got a beautifully long, earthy finish and holds its weight in a classic cocktail. Be sure to try the 1414 Añejo as it’s utterly gorgeous. Think toffee, banana cake with a little spice note..just sublime.

Tequila ArteNOM is currently stocked at the following bars: Bacchanalia, 28 HongKong Street

3) ILEGAL (Mezcal)

Ilegal Mezcal is a great introduction to the world of mezcal. From a boutique distillery, production is relatively small and their selection of Blanco, Reposado and Añejo show a clear example as to how ageing mezcal changes the flavour profile. Personally, however, I’d go straight to the Reposado or Añejo which offer some excellent aromas. Expect smokey and vegetal notes, with the Añejo being quite rich to boot. If you want to spice up your Old Fashioned, ask for a float of this to top it off.

Mezcal Ilegal is currently stocked at the following bars: La Maison du Whisky, Lucha Loco, CUT, Jewel Cafe & Bar, CÉ LA VI, Burnt Ends, Ding Dong, Club Street Social, 28 Hong Kong Street.

4) DEL MAGUEY (Mezcal)

I love Del Maguey…. They just make such weird mezcal. With a bizarre selection of bottling, these flavours seem to vary bottle to bottle, with each bottling coming from a different village. What makes them so interesting is the complete change that seems to be undertaken when you drink them. This can be particularly noticed in the Vida, Tobala and Pechuga. Although different in flavouring, what they have in common is a raw, almost off-putting, industrial aroma. What ensues however is magical…The Vida exhibits spice and smoke, while the Pechuga ends up resembling a mixture of rhubarb or sour apple and soy sauce! It’s just so bizarre – yet what the all have in common is a superb taste. The Del Maguey could easily be mixed in to a cocktail, but I’d highly recommend a straight up shot (to be sipped, mind) to fully appreciate this incredible spirit.

Mezcal Del Maguey is currently stocked at the following bars: Buyan, Catalunya, The Library, Lucha Loco, Ding Dong, Nektar, CUT, 28 Hong Kong Street, Tippling Club and La Maison du Whisky.

5) Sombra Mezcal

A beautiful expression of mezcal in the fullest made from wild agave. Earthy, smokey notes really bring out roasted piña flavour. This an affordable but very clean spirit and something that will go nicely straight up or work well with a mixer or interesting cocktail.

Mezcal Sombra is currently stocked at the following bars: Club Street Social, 28 HongKong Street, The Library, The Horse’s Mouth.

If you can’t find these, give Los Danzantes, Excellia, Casa Noble, Corralejo, Don Julio, Patron, Herradura and Jose Cuervo (aged only) a try – they’re also pretty decent.

With special thanks to Joseph Ricketts of La Maison du Whisky and Michael Callahan of 28 Hong Kong Street for their passion, help and invaluable explanations on why Tequila and Mezcal are so much more than people give them credit for.