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Mezcal Con Gusano - Mezcal Brands With The Worm
by Greg Rutkowski
TLDR
In this article, you'll find more about this unique type of mezcal that has a worm in it. The worm, known as gusano, is key to unlocking wonderful drinking experiences. The thorough production process yields a drink with splendid tasting notes. There are different types of Mezcals with the worm, which you'll learn about in this article as well.
Introduction
Ever heard of the mezcal worm?
If there's something that stands out about this type of mezcal, it's the mezcal worm. Continue reading to get deeper understanding of this popular beverage, and the different brands with the worm that you can choose from.
History of Mezcal Con Gusano
The introduction of this highly rated drink was during the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadores conquered the Aztec empire. The fighters would find something to celebrate with whenever they ran out of the traditional rum during those times. By then, the Aztecs, who settled near Monte Alban mountain-top settlement in Oaxaca, produced juice from a species of agave cactus. Although they fermented the juice into pulque, the Spaniards wanted something more substantial than that. They decided to experiment further with the agave, which led to this world-famous liquor.
The conquistadores used different species with old techniques and traditions to come up with this premium drink. This is also the reason behind the peppery finish and smoky palate of the mezcal.
Production Process
The reason behind the smoky finish of this liquor is the traditional production process. The team cooks the agave hearts in underground pits during the process before crushing and combining them with water.
After pressing the juice, it is given some days to ferment before being taken through distillation. For every excellent mezcal, you will always find information on the bottle concerning the name of the agave and the distillation techniques used. For instance, some mezcals undergo distillation in copper pots while others in clay pots. The difference is evident in the taste; copper pots produce smoother mezcals while clay pots produce earthier spirits.
Types of Mezcal Con Gusano
El Recuerdo de Oaxaca con Gusano
The production of El Recuerdo de Oaxaca con Gusano involves the use of agave Espadin. Its production takes place in the most extensive and modern distillery in Oaxaca rather than the traditional palenque. Their main goal is to produce the cleanest mezcal using modern tequila-like production techniques, machinery, and technology.
Tehuana Con Gusano
Tehuana Con Gusano is also produced from agave Espadin, and it does not undergo aging. The milling of this mezcal involves a horse-driven tahona, and the fermentation process takes place in cypress wood. It smells grassy and sweet, with a taste that is sweet, slightly salty, and chocolaty, with a mineral after taste.
Joyas Oaxaqueñas Blanco con Gusano
This young white mezcal is also a product of agave Espadin. It has light density to the drinker’s eye with a silver nuance and a pale-yellow color. Green apple, pear, and lime-lemon predominate its primary aromas. The secondary aroma has wet earth, herbal notes, and dried fruits like almonds and chestnuts. The flavor is light-bodied with prolonged freshness and a slight liquid butter sensation.
Agave de Cortes
Agave de Cortes is a product of agave Espadin. It exists as sin gusano (without worms) and con gusano (with worms). The production of both types take place in a copper still, and the oak barrels give it a caramel taste and color.
Beneva
This mystical, aphrodisiac and magical beverage awaken the sensuality in men and women alike. The maguey worm in the bottle adds to its wood aroma and amber color.
El Recuerdo Abocado Con Gusano
El Recuardo’s Abocado Con Gusano has an agave worm, which adds a silky texture and exotic aroma to the drink.
Wahaka Reposado Con Gusano
The recipe of Wahaka Reposado con Gusano includes oak barrels and gusano (an agave worm). The worms rest in the oak barrels throughout the aging period to give the mezcal a lustrous flavor.
El Senorio Reposado
After about six months of aging, a worm is placed inside every bottle of El Senorio Reposado. This worm adds to its sweet and herbal aroma with bitter notes.
Monte Alban Mezcal Con Gusano
This list won't be complete without Monte Alban Mezcal Con Gusano, with its intense golden yellow color. It expresses sweet, spicy vanilla and saffron notes, fruity scents of citrus on the nose, slight mineral hints, and woody sensations of moss and bark. With regard to taste, Monte Alban reveals a soft, tasty, and sinuous flavor in the mouth with a good body. Its aromatic returns are very harmonious, and the nutmeg finish is persistent.
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