CultureJuly 14, 2026
mezcal
/mɛˈskæl/
Definition
A distilled spirit produced from various species of the agave plant, often highlighting regional production methods and artisanal traditions.
Etymology
The word comes from the Nahuatl term 'mexcalli', a compound of 'metl' (agave) and 'ixcalli' (cooked/baked). It entered English via Mexican Spanish to describe the spirit made from the roasted hearts of the agave plant.
In the news
The article highlights mezcal as a central cultural and culinary attraction at the Agave Heritage Festival. It is featured in guided tastings and educational sessions to celebrate the expertise of traditional producers known as mezcaleros.
Agave Heritage Festival returns to Tucson with tastings, education, and cultural exchange
Read the full article ↗Tucson Foodie