Question 1

True or false: The smoky flavor of mezcal comes from roasting agave piñas in underground pits.

Accepted Answer

True. Pine-filled earthen pits roast the agave hearts, imparting a distinct smokiness that sets mezcal apart from most other spirits.

Question 2

True or false: All mezcals are technically tequilas, but not all tequilas are mezcals.

Accepted Answer

False. Tequila is a type of mezcal made specifically from Blue Weber agave. Mezcal is the broader category, not the other way around.

Question 3

True or false: Mezcal can be aged in barrels for over a decade, producing rare añejo expressions.

Accepted Answer

True. While most mezcal is joven (unaged), some producers age it in oak barrels for years, creating complex añejo and extra añejo versions.

Question 4

True or false: Mezcal can legally be produced in any Mexican state as long as it meets official standards.

Accepted Answer

False. Mezcal has a Denomination of Origin (DO) limited to nine Mexican states, including Oaxaca, Durango, and Guerrero.

Question 5

True or false: Mezcal can only be made from the Espadín variety of agave.

Accepted Answer

False. Mezcal can be made from over 30 types of agave, though Espadín is most common. The variety depends on region and producer.

Question 6

True or false: Some mezcal producers use a tahona, a large stone wheel, to crush cooked agave by hand or animal power.

Accepted Answer

True. The tahona is a traditional stone wheel often pulled by a horse or mule, crushing agave fibers without modern machinery.

Question 7

True or false: A worm in the bottle is a traditional sign of high-quality mezcal.

Accepted Answer

False. The worm (actually a larva) was a marketing gimmick added in the 1950s. Premium mezcals rarely include it; it’s associated with budget brands.

Question 8

True or false: Mezcal often contains a small amount of a hallucinogenic compound called mescaline.

Accepted Answer

False. Mescaline comes from peyote cactus, not agave. Mezcal is distilled from agave and contains no hallucinogens—this is a persistent myth.

Mezcal Trivia Questions