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This may sound pathetic, but the first time I tasted a good mezcal a few years ago (in Texas, because in Europe where I come from it is hard to come by) I got e
by kieckerjan 8y ago
This may sound pathetic, but the first time I tasted a good mezcal a few years ago (in Texas, because in Europe where I come from it is hard to come by) I got emotional. For someone who tastes a lot of different spirits like I do, the complexity and depth of this stuff is undeniable and self-evident. Truly magical stuff.
As much as I am in awe of it, I feel conflicted about it becoming popular and even about drinking it. In contrast with e.g. wine, which is produced from the fruits of a noble plant, which regrow each season, this is produced by wrecking a mature plant. I cannot see how this is maintainable once the whole world develops a taste for it.
- monocasa 8y agoI mean, Tequila is a subset of mezcal. They're doing just fine and distilling that at scale.
- DennisP 8y agoSome mezcals use wild plants, either because the species haven't been successfully cultivated, or because growing conditions in the wild result in better flavor. Sustainability has been a serious concern.
- snarfy 8y agoThe only pollinator of agave is an endangered species of bat. When they make tequila, they harvest the plant just before it blooms, providing no benefit to the bats. They are doing it, but I wouldn't say everything is just fine.
- UncleEntity 8y ago> It has taken 30 years of conservation efforts by biologists and volunteers in both countries as well as tequila producers and agave growers in Mexico to rebuild a healthy [lesser long-nosed bat] population. Apparently no longer the case[0]. I remember we did our two week gig in the reserves at Fort Huachuca 16 or so years ago and we weren't to even think about approaching the flowering agave plants under any circumstances. Under severe penalties. [0]https://nypost.com/2018/04/17/bats-important-for-tequila-production-no-longer-endangered/ https://nypost.com/2018/04/17/bats-important-for-tequila-pro...
- pdog 8y agoThis is a common misconception. The agave plant matures in 7-10 years, so harvesting 10-14% per year is 100% sustainable.
- kieckerjan 8y agoThanks for putting my conscience at ease. :)
- downrightmike 8y agoEventually the Agave plant will bolt a stalk out of its center and go into full bloom. After that, it dies. It is a one shot plant. They also use agave for tequila.
- BurningFrog 8y agoThe only thing that will happen if demand overwhelms supply is that prices skyrocket, and some Mexicans get rich. Not that the agave plant somehow gets exterminated.
- mtgx 8y agoIf you thought that about mezcal, you should try xoconostle liquor. Next-level stuff.
- deleted 8y ago[deleted]