Does tequila have a worm?
In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “Does tequila have a worm?” Also, we’ll explore what mezcal is, what tequila is, where they are produced, and what are the effects of drinking too much of either alcoholic beverage.
Does tequila have a worm?
No, no brand of tequila is bottled or served with a worm in it, and this is a common misconception.
Mezcal, another Mexican spirit is however bottled and can be served with a worm in it. However, there is a misconception surrounding the two spirits.
This may be due to them being similar in appearance, but there are many key differences to note, such as their origin (both plant and regional).
Below, we’ll review where tequila and Mezcal are respectively sourced from, along with other essential differences between the two.
Additionally, the alcohol content of tequila can fluctuate between 38% to 55% alcohol.
What is mezcal?
Mezcal is a distilled, alcoholic beverage that is made from maguey plants. Specifically, it is made from the processed heart of maguey plants that have had the fibrous leaves cut off and the result is a pineapple-like fruit.
Once harvested, this pineapple-like heart is cooked in a large oven, then mashed using a grindstone. The juice that has been squeezed from the pineapple is then fermented, distilled, and bottled in the distillery’s packaging of choice.
Traditionally, Mezcal is produced in twelve different states of Mexico, and these include Oaxaca (who leads the country’s production), Durango, The State of Mexico, Morelos, Aguascalientes, Puebla, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, Zacatecas and San Luis Potosí.
Mézclales is produced under a denomination of origin methodology. This restricts the actual product to only a few select states, for it to legitimately be called Mezcal.
Liquor that is produced using the same methods and plant material, but in a place without denomination of origin, is simply referred to as maguey liquor.
Some Mezcal brands can be bottled with a worm, of a type that is harvested from maguey plants. This is traditionally done to distinguish it from tequila, though some connoisseurs maintain that it’s possible to distinguish both spirits from one another by simply savoring them.
According to Mexican law, the alcohol volume of mezcal must be within 36% to 55%.
What is tequila?
Tequila is a spirit that is obtained from blue Agave plants. The process is similar to how mezcal is made, and technically speaking, tequila is a form of mezcal, the only distinction being that it is sourced from blue agave plants, which are closely related to magueys.
Additionally, tequila can only be distilled and bottled in Tequila, a municipality in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
The denomination of origin applies only to this location, and any other liquor that is distilled from blue agave plants, but that isn’t processed in Tequila, can therefore only be named agave liquor.
Where are mezcal and tequila produced?
Both mezcal and tequila are produced in Mexico, though each has its denomination of origin guidelines.
As we’ve mentioned above, Tequila can only be sourced from its namesake municipality of Tequila, in the state of Jalisco.
Mezcal, however, can be produced in certain municipalities of 12 states, and as of 2022, the list of authorized locations is growing,
Both spirits produced are of export quality and can be found in liquor stores in different countries.
We encourage our readers to always purchase their spirits from reputable sources, and verify that their bottles are licensed by the corresponding authorities. This guarantees not only its quality but also its safety, as producers of both spirits are compelled to follow specific guidelines for production.
What are the effects of drinking too much mezcal or tequila?
The effects of drinking too much mezcal or tequila can be split into two groups; short-term effects, and long-term effects.
As both are distilled spirits, they can cause inebriation in the short term. The side effects of being inebriated include; a loss of inhibition, coordination, slurred speech, clammy skin, changes in personality, and a rowdy disposition, among other symptoms.
Inebriated people are strongly urged not to drive or operate heavy machinery, at the risk of both their safety and that of those around them.
Inebriation may culminate in a hangover, which is characterized by a drop in energy levels, nausea, vomiting, discomfort, and other symptoms of exhaustion.
Long-term effects of chronic alcohol consumption include a heightened risk of liver disease, cognitive disorders, cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, and other disorders such as erosion of social relationships, anxiety, and an inability to perform day to day tasks.
Alcohol can have especially detrimental effects on groups such as minors, pregnant women, and patients diagnosed with preexisting conditions.
If our readers are suffering from symptoms of alcohol addiction, we encourage them to seek professional help, such as medical treatment and/or counseling. A professional can help them regain their quality of life and overcome their alcoholism.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we’ve addressed the search query: “Does tequila have a worm?” Also, we’ve explored what mezcal is, what tequila is, where they are produced, and what are the effects of drinking too much of either alcoholic beverage.
References
https://ada.com/conditions/alcohol-intoxication/
https://www.gob.mx/sectur/articulos/tequila-jalisco
https://www.smartblend.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-tequila-worm-should-you-eat-it-and-why-is-it-there
https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/differences-between-tequila-mezcal
https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/effects-on-body#physical
