All tequila is mezcal in the broad sense — both are agave spirits — but not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila must be made from blue agave, mostly in Jalisco, and its piñas are usually steamed in ovens. Mezcal can be made from dozens of agave varieties across several Mexican states.
The defining difference is smoke. Traditional mezcal roasts its agave in earthen pits lined with hot stones and wood, giving the spirit its signature smoky, mineral character. Tequila's oven-cooking keeps it cleaner and brighter, letting the agave's sweetness lead.
Neither is superior; they are two dialects of the same language. If you love tequila, mezcal is a natural next step into deeper, earthier territory — and our shelf has both waiting for you.