bartenders
Useful Bits for Bartenders and Nerds
Agave Map
This map indicates the key growing regions and variety of agave by region in Mexico.
Tasting Wheel
Mezcal is unique and varies widely in profile through variety, distillation technique, yeast strain, and other factors. Here are some of the possible profiles you may encounter.
Clay Pot Still Diagram
Clay pot distillation is common in areas like Santa Catarina Minas and Sola de Vega, Oaxaca. Clay pot stills are smaller than copper pot stills, and they’re known for imparting a soft, colloidal texture with a distinct mouthfeel. Unlike copper stills, clay pot stills do not use a condenser coil. When the clay pot still is running, steam from the heated distillate in the bottom pot rises into the upper chamber. On top of the upper chamber sits a copper saucer, where cold water is frequently added. The steam condenses on the bottom of the saucer and collects on a plate in the upper chamber. The plate runs the collected condensation out of the still.
Alambique Diagram
The copper pot still and alembic-still distillation is common in mezcal production. Alcohol molecules have a unique chemical reaction when coming in contact with copper. The interaction that occurs in mezcal copper stills is similar to that found in scotch whiskey production. For this reason, many scotch whiskey drinkers prefer mezcal made in copper stills over mezcal made in other still types.
Alambique c/ Refrescadera Diagram
Refrescador distilling is a technique that is common in the area surrounding Ejutla, Oaxaca, and it has also been adopted by some producers from other regions as well. The still looks similar to a copper alembique still except there is a stainless steel cylinder surrounding it. The cylinder is filled with water, allowing it to cool the upper part of the still, which works as a condenser that sends the alcohol vapor back down into the boiler before being heated again and leaving the still into the condensing coil. This method of distilling essentially allows for two distillations during a single pass through the still.
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