Mezcal Distillation
Artisanal distillation in Mexico often depends on a combination of traditional knowledge and seemingly rudimentary equipment. Despite these factors, the process yields outstanding results that have garnered international acclaim. The expertise handed down through generations plays a crucial role in this success. Distillers possess a profound understanding of the ingredients, particularly the agave plant and its various species, which can significantly influence flavor profiles. This practical knowledge extends to the selection of optimal harvesting times, fermentation techniques, and the intricacies of distillation itself.
What is Distillation?
Distillation is a process that separates a mixture of liquids into individual components or groups by vaporization. It’s like magic! By heating the mixture and cooling the vapor, we can extract pure liquid, such as ethanol, from a mix of water and ethanol. The pure liquid we get is called the distillate.
Distillation is based on a simple idea: compounds have different boiling points or volatilities. The aim here is to concentrate the aromatic compounds created during the fermentation process of agave must.
Mezcal Distillation Process
Vaporization is the initial stage in the distillation process, where a liquid mixture is subjected to heat. As the temperature rises, the more volatile components of the mix, such as ethanol, begin to evaporate. This phenomenon occurs because these compounds have lower boiling points than the rest of the mixture. The careful application of heat ensures that these lighter volatile compounds are efficiently separated from the heavier, less volatile ones.
Following vaporization, the resulting vapor is captured and directed into a cooling system where condensation occurs. In this stage, the vapor is transformed into a liquid state as it cools down. This process yields a high-proof distillate rich in the desired volatile compounds. The final product is often characterized by its intense concentration and purity, making it suitable for various applications, from beverages to industrial uses. Through this intricate dance of heating and cooling, distillation effectively isolates and concentrates specific components, leading to a refined liquid that meets the desired specifications.
Achieving Mezcal Mastery
Despite the rudimentary technology, the artisanal distillation method leverages the nuanced control of boiling points to concentrate and preserve the aromatic compounds developed during fermentation. This process results in a mezcal with a rich and complex flavor profile, showcasing the expertise and tradition of Mexican mezcaleros.
When making mezcal, the first liquid from the initial distillation is called “común,” which means common or “shishe.” This liquid goes through a second distillation, called rectification, to create the final mezcal. The first part of the second distillation, called “heads” (“puntas”), contains high levels of methanol and other alcohols that are harmful. The next part, the “heart” or “body,” mainly consists of safe ethanol and water. The last part, called “tails” (“colas”), contains mainly propanol and methanol, both of which are toxic alcohols.
In traditional distillation, agave fibers can increase methanol due to how they release it.
Because the heads and tails contain many harmful alcohols, it’s essential to separate them accurately from the heart during the second distillation. The key to perfect distillation is cutting out the heads and tails just right to ensure that only the heart, the good part, is left for drinking. It really is a craft!
Master mezcaleros rely on the observation of the “pearl” to evaluate alcohol content and determine the precise cut for fractionating the distillate. This process, known as “venenciar” the mezcal, involves using a venencia to create bubbles or pearls. Although this traditional method is still practiced, it is often supplemented with an alcohol meter for accuracy.
Double distillation is essential because stills, particularly rustic ones, cannot wholly separate compounds with close volatilities in a single distillation.
The journey from agave to mezcal involves transformation, tradition, and artistry. Every step embodies the cultural heritage of mezcal, from the earthen pits where the agave hearts are roasted to the copper stills where the spirit is refined. As we savor the final product, we are not just enjoying a drink but partaking in a legacy crafted with care and reverence for generations.
Bottling: Capturing the Essence of Mezcal
Bottling is the final step in the journey of mezcal production. This process encapsulates the spirit’s quality and prepares it for its voyage to bars, homes, and gatherings worldwide. This is where the story of each mezcal is sealed within glass, ready to be unveiled and enjoyed.
Filtering
While some mezcals are bottled unfiltered to preserve their whole flavor, others may undergo filtration to remove any remaining solids from the distillation. This filtering practice ensures a precise final product and can mellow any harshness without compromising the mezcal’s integrity.
Bottle Selection
The choice of bottle is a testament to the brand’s image and the spirit’s quality. Artisanal mezcal brands often select unique, handcrafted bottles that speak to their product’s traditional and artisanal nature, sometimes hand-labeling each bottle to emphasize its craft origins.
Sealing and Labelling
Sealing the bottle not only preserves the mezcal’s quality but is also an opportunity to infuse tradition into the packaging. Corks or wax seals are often used, accompanied by labels that tell the story of the mezcal—its origin, agave variety, and the name of the mezcalero. This information honors the spirit’s heritage and serves as a guide for connoisseurs and curious consumers alike.
Denomination of Origin Certification
For a mezcal to be legally sold and valued as a true expression of the Mexican spirit, it must be certified with the Denomination of Origin. This certification proves the mezcal’s authenticity and adherence to the rigorous standards set forth by the Mexican government, assuring customers of the product’s quality and heritage.
The Role of Handcrafting
In keeping with tradition, many mezcal producers still bottle by hand, ensuring that each batch receives personal attention and that the final product is as artisanal as the production process.
The bottling of mezcal is not merely an end but a beginning—when the spirit is ready to tell its story to the world. It represents the final transition from a plant rooted in Mexican soil to a spirit enjoyed globally, embodying the passion and tradition of its makers.
As we seal this section, we acknowledge the meticulous effort of presenting mezcal in its finest form. Once opened, each bottle releases a story of heritage, landscape, and the painstaking craft of mezcal production. It’s an invitation to explore, savor, and celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors and history encapsulated within.