Photo by Janaap Dekker

The first, and perhaps the most important, distinction to be made is that there are tequila and mezcal bottles labeled “100 percent agave” and there are bottles that are not.

Any tequila or mezcal with less than 100 percent agave is referred to as mixto, and are required by law to have 51 percent fermented agave juices.

More specifically, tequilas must always include at least 51 percent fermented blue agave juice.

The remainder 49 percent can be other sugars added during the fermentation process, like sugar cane or molasses. That’s why 100 percent agave tequilas and mezcals are considered premium spirits.

To protect the reputation of the country’s national drinks, 100 percent agave tequilas and mezcals must be aged and bottled in Mexico.

• How Tequila and Mezcal are Made
• Know Your Tequilas & Mezcals
• Tequila Differences
• Mezcal Types & Classifications