1. Discovering Mezcal: An Insightful Journey
2. The Unique Production of Mezcal de Pechuga
3. Cultural Significance and Authentic Experiences
Sure, you may have enjoyed a shot or two of mezcal at a bar, Mexican restaurant, or even on a trip to Mexico. However, how much do you really know about this smoky spirit? The agave-based alcohol is produced primarily in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, and depending on who’s making it, ingredients may include anything from pineapple to raw chicken breast.
In this episode of Walk With iBestTravel, Oaxacking tour guide Omar Alonso takes viewers to the Palenque La Candelaria mezcal distillery outside Oaxaca City to learn how Mezcal de Pechuga (raw chicken mezcal mentioned) is made. Read on for more from Omar on this specially distilled drink.
1. Discovering Mezcal: An Insightful Journey
Omar: It is a celebration mezcal. In some areas of Oaxaca, they produce it for a wedding, baptism, and so on. However, Lalo only produces it to set it up at the altar for his family members that have passed, and to welcome them into their homes as they visit during Day of the Dead on November 1.
2. The Unique Production of Mezcal de Pechuga
How do the processes of making the distillery’s different mezcals vary? Is the only difference that the other mezcals don’t use a chicken breast?
Omar: The main difference is the ingredients in the recipes from each producer. Moreover, there are also two main types of mezcal distillation — copper stills and clay pots.
3. Cultural Significance and Authentic Experiences
Do all of the Oaxacking food tours give guests such a close look at how food and drinks are made or is this mezcal tour unique in that way?
Omar: No, some of them are very commercial and only show you the basic mezcal companies. Therefore, if you want to dig deep into the mezcal world, you should definitely look for companies that offer this authentic type of experience.
Why do you encourage travelers to take this Mezcal tour?
Omar: Mezcal is a very important part of Mexican culture, and Oaxaca is the main producer in the world. Once you learn how it’s made and all of the processes, you will definitely enjoy it more and respect it as well. Consequently, it’ll change your perspective about Oaxaca for sure.
