Buy Tequila & Mezcal Online at Barrel & Batch
Tequila and Mezcal each offer distinct experiences. Tequila, made from Blue Weber agave, provides a smooth, crisp profile with herbal and citrus notes, particularly in its Blanco variety. Mezcal, on the other hand, is known for its smoky complexity, created through the traditional roasting of agave piñas, resulting in earthy, floral, and even spicy flavours.
At Barrel & Batch, we bring the finest Tequila and Mezcal selections to Australia, from ...
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Buy Tequila & Mezcal Online at Barrel & Batch
Tequila and Mezcal each offer distinct experiences. Tequila, made from Blue Weber agave, provides a smooth, crisp profile with herbal and citrus notes, particularly in its Blanco variety. Mezcal, on the other hand, is known for its smoky complexity, created through the traditional roasting of agave piñas, resulting in earthy, floral, and even spicy flavours.
At Barrel & Batch, we bring the finest Tequila and Mezcal selections to Australia, from Corazón's exquisite expressions to Fortaleza's artisanal offerings. Each bottle offers an authentic taste of Mexico, perfect for creating memorable experiences.
Explore our range today to discover these unique spirits!
Tequila and Mezcal: The Art of Agave, Reinvented
Tequila and Mezcal are more than just agave spirits—they’re a blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and a dash of modern flair. The agave plant plays a foundational role in the production of both Tequila and Mezcal, with each spirit originating from this versatile plant but differing in the specific types of agave used and their production methods.
Tequila’s journey starts with the meticulous care of Blue Weber agave, nurtured by villagers before being transformed in state-of-the-art copper stills. Mezcal, on the other hand, is pure art in motion, with artisan producers roasting wild agave in smoky earthen pits.
Each bottle tells a story, whether aged to perfection in oak barrels or celebrated fresh from the still. These spirits are a beautiful dance of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of time and place with every sip.
How Tequila and Mezcal Are Made
Tequila and Mezcal are more than spirits—they’re an expression of craftsmanship and heritage. The cooking method for each spirit is distinctive: Mezcal is made by roasting the agave piña in conical pits, leading to a smokier flavour, while Tequila is produced through a more standardised steaming process, resulting in a consistent flavour profile. While both are derived from agave plants, their production methods differ, offering unique flavour profiles.
How Tequila Is Made
- Harvesting: Tequila begins with Blue Weber agave, specifically the blue agave, from regions like Jalisco and Nayarit. The agave hearts, or piñas, are harvested after maturing for 6-8 years.
- Crushing: The piñas are steamed in industrial ovens to convert starches into sugars. They are then crushed to extract the sweet agave juices.
- Fermentation & Distillation: Fermented with water and yeast, the juice is distilled, often twice, in copper stills, refining the spirit.
- Ageing: Tequila can be bottled unaged as Blanco or aged in oak barrels, gaining vanilla and caramel notes as it matures into Reposado, Añejo, or Extra Añejo?.
How Mezcal Is Made
- Varied Agaves: Mezcal can be made from over 30 types of agave, with Espadín being the most common. It's important to note that while all Tequila is classified as Mezcal, not all Mezcal is Tequila. Tequila is specifically made from Blue Weber Agave, whereas Mezcal can utilise various types of agave plants, which contributes to its diverse flavour profile and artisanal production methods.
- Traditional Roasting: Unlike Tequila, Mezcal’s piñas are roasted in underground pits lined with volcanic rocks, giving it a smoky flavour.
- Artisanal Production: The roasted agaves are crushed, often using a tahona stone, and then fermented with natural yeasts.
- Small-Batch Distillation: Distilled in small clay or copper stills, Mezcal is typically bottled without ageing, preserving its raw, earthy character.
At Barrel & Batch, we bring you the best of Mexico’s most famous exports—Tequila and Mezcal. Sourced from top artisanal producers, our collection showcases the finest expressions of these iconic agave spirits.
Explore Different Types of Tequila and Mezcal at Barrel & Batch
Types of Tequila
Tequila is categorised based on its ageing process, which greatly influences its flavour profile. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
- Blanco (Silver): Bottled immediately after distillation, Blanco Tequila is known for its crisp, unaged flavour. This type often has strong agave, citrus, and pepper notes, making it a great choice for cocktails. Try Volcán De Mi Tierra Blanco or Fortaleza Blanco from our collection for a bright, pure agave experience?.
- Reposado: Aged between 2-12 months in oak barrels, Reposado Tequila develops a richer flavour with hints of vanilla, caramel, and mild spice. The short ageing process gives it a balance between the rawness of Blanco and the complexity of Añejo. Explore Fortaleza Reposado or La Gritona Reposado for smooth and balanced notes?.
- Añejo: Aged for 1-3 years, Añejo Tequila has a smooth, matured taste, often with rich flavours of oak, vanilla, and caramel. The extended ageing process imparts a darker colour and softer texture. Experience Don Julio Añejo or Corralejo Gran Añejo for a full-bodied, luxurious sip?.
- Extra Añejo: This category is aged for over 3 years, resulting in a deeply complex Tequila with layers of caramel, oak, and chocolate notes. It’s the most luxurious expression of Tequila, ideal for sipping. Try 818 Tequila Extra Añejo for an exquisite finish.
Types of Mezcal
Generally speaking, Mezcal can be categorised based on its ageing process, with terms like joven, reposado, and añejo typically reflecting the duration of ageing for these spirits. Mezcal is known for its diversity, with each variety offering a distinct flavour based on the agave species and production methods used.
- Espadín: The most common type of Mezcal, Espadín is versatile and generally has a smoky, earthy flavour. It’s often considered the “entry-level” Mezcal for those new to the spirit. Enjoy the smooth and smoky profile of Madre Mezcal Ensamble.
- Tobalá: Known for its wild and rare characteristics, Tobalá is smaller than Espadín and yields a more floral, complex flavour with hints of tropical fruit.
- Tepeztate: Another wild-harvested agave, Tepeztate produces a more robust and herbal flavour with a pronounced smokiness, ideal for enthusiasts looking for boldness?.
- Pechuga: A unique style of Mezcal, Pechuga is distilled with fruits, nuts, and even a raw skinless chicken breast (Pechuga), adding a layer of savoury complexity?.
Each type of Tequila and Mezcal brings its own unique experience, from the fresh, vibrant flavours of Blanco Tequila to the smoky, artisanal touch of a wild-harvested Mezcal.
Popular Tequila and Mezcal Recommendations
At Barrel & Batch, we offer a curated selection of high-quality Mezcals from popular brands and renowned producers in Mexico. We provide a handpicked selection of premium Tequilas and Mezcals that cater to both the discerning sipper and the creative cocktail maker. Below is a curated list of top brands and recommendations based on flavour profiles.
Handpicked Tequilas for Every Occasion
- For Sipping:
- Tequila Fortaleza Añejo: Rich and smooth with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Perfect for savouring slowly.
- Don Julio Añejo Tequila: A balanced, full-bodied Añejo with hints of honey and toasted almonds. Ideal for sipping neat.
- Volans Ultra Premium Extra Añejo Tequila: Complex and luxurious with flavours of chocolate, oak, and dried fruits. The ultimate choice for a refined sipping experience.
- For Cocktails:
- Volcán De Mi Tierra Blanco Tequila: Crisp, fresh, with citrus and pepper notes, making it the perfect base for Margaritas or Palomas.
- Tapatio Blanco Tequila: Herbal and citrus-forward, a great choice for classic cocktails
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