The worm became popular after its introduction in the 1940s, so there are bottles of tequila worms cured in mezcal for those who enjoy eating the worm. 6. Can You Eat The Worm? The second myth comes from the plantations of the agave plant. The Jimadors (plantation workers) who harvest the agave plants could not tell two clear bottles apart; one was mezcal, the other tequila.

My education and training include a thorough knowledge of agave spirits creation from planting agaves to bottling, including distillation. It is crafted by Beneva in Oaxaca, Mexico, for Barton Brands, which now belongs to Sazerac Rye, which owns some of the best bourbon brands in the world, such as Weller, Pappy Van Winkle, and Blanton’s. Estadística de Visitantes" (in Spanish). INAH. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012 . Retrieved 25 March 2018. For nearly a thousand years, Monte Albán existed as an influential Zapotec center in Mesoamerica now known as Oaxaca, Mexico. It was here that Spanish conquistadors first discovered the local fermented agave drink called “pulque.” Soon, the Spaniards created “mescal” which led to today’s tequila. This is the juice that made me aware Mezcal was even a thing, I shot tons and tons of this stuff starting around 1994/95. Many fond memories of getting absolutely hammered with good friends and having great times but it tastes nothing like the quality Mezcals we all enjoy today.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just dipping your toes into this world, I invite you to join me as we explore the fascinating realm of these legendary spirits. Tequila and mezcal both originate from Mexico and are made from agave, a form of succulent that grows in the Mexican desert. Both are widely popular throughout the world, but they aren’t the same thing. Our friends took a tour a couple of weeks before we went to Monte Albán. They were told it’s not possible to get there on their own, only 400 people a day, 100 people at one time are allowed in (Covid rules), and because of that, it’s necessary to get there early to be able to make it. The bus from Oaxaca to Monte Albán leaves every hour on the weekdays, and every half an hour on the weekends Why is it better to visit Monte Albán without a tour If you’re new to Mezcal and curious about exploring this incredible spirit, I strongly advise against starting with Monte Alban.

My journey has seen me as an owner of sophisticated bars and renowned liquor shops, and even as a Mezcal distiller, honing the craft from scratch. Symmetry was not a major concern for the layout of Monte Albán plaza. Although the angles within the plaza are not perfect 90-degree corners, the plaza appears to be a rectangle without actually being so. The structures are not laid out in a symmetrical fashion, as the distances between the structures vary greatly from building to building. Construction methods used for orientation changed as Monte Albán expanded. Early structures, on the western side of the plaza, are rotated south of east, while later structures align more with the cardinal directions. Suffice it to say, those are not the worms you will be finding in your mezcal. Why do Distillers Put Tequila Worms in Mezcal? Rumors surrounding these little critters’ origin, taste and even their supposed hallucinogenic properties have swirled around for years. Here are a few commonly asked questions about these wiggly oddities. What is a Tequila Worm?

I suggest that if you manage to expose the worm lurking at the bottom of the bottle, you have had a fair share of mezcal, so it would be quite possible to see double before eating the worm anyway! Except for the obvious fact that you’re not a part of a huge group of people, is there any other advantage of not taking the tour? Hell yes, and not just one! Presidencia CEN (February 12, 2015). "¿Sabías Que..?" (in Spanish). Partido Revolucionario Institucional. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02 . Retrieved 20 March 2015. These caterpillars infest agave plants before they are harvested. Were they not preserved as alcoholic garnishes, the caterpillars would flourish into the tequila giant-skipper butterfly or the comadia redtenbacheri moth respectively.

Others allege that this story is fiction. As modern tellings would have it, this “tradition” was actually fabricated in the 1940s as a clever marketing ploy to distinguish certain mezcals on the shelf. For individuals who enjoy exploring and analyzing various types of spirits, this Mezcal may offer some curiosity as it offers a wide variety of chemical flavors worth examining. I’m J Highland, and for over 30 years, I’ve been deeply immersed in the captivating world of Tequila, Mezcal, and other agave spirits. The General Wine Company is committed to providing its customers with the best possible wine experience. The company's team of experts is always happy to help customers find the perfect wine for their needs. Spencer, Charles S; Redmond, Elsa M. (2001). "Multilevel Selection and Political Evolution in the Valley of Oaxaca, 500–100 B.C.". Journal of Anthropological Archaeology. 20 (2): 195–229. doi: 10.1006/jaar.2000.0371.

Reports indicate that Subway may not use real tuna in its sandwiches, and other corporate abuses have come to light. The history of tequila and the tale of the worm does make interesting reading and a great marketing strategy to keep drinkers entertained about the myths surrounding this little larva.