Is Pechuga Mezcal Vegetarian?

Agave, water, and yeast. For traditionally made Agave Spirits, simple ingredients provide everything needed to make Tequila, Mezcal, and other Agave Spirits. While these are the main ingredients, some varieties of Mezcal include a surprising ingredient: meat! While vegetarians and vegans don't typically have to watch out for meat products in Tequila, they should be aware of the types of Mezcal that use meat during the production process.

Mezcal is a popular Agave Spirit made from a wide variety of Agave types, sometimes referred to as magueys in Spanish. While similar to Tequila, Mezcal offers a wider variety of flavors, including earthy, smoky, citrus, and vegetal notes. Mezcals typically have an ABV of 35% to 55% and must be made from 100% agave. Like Tequila, Mezcal is regulated by the Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) and the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM).

Unlike Tequila, there is a greater variety in types of the spirit, mainly based on the large variety of Agave types that can be used to make Mezcal. Some of the major types include:

• Blanco/Joven: Similar to Blanco Tequila, this type is unaged.
• Madurado en vidrio: Meaning matured in glass, this type of Mezcal is stored in glass for a year or more underground.
• Reposado: This is Mezcal that is rested in wooden barrels for at least 2 months and as long as a year.
• Añejo: Mezcal aged in wood for more than a year.
• Abocado: Mezcal with allowed additives, like lime, orange, honey, and the maguey worm.
• Mezcal de Pechuga: Also referred to as "destilado con," this category includes seasonal ingredients and sometimes meat added during distillation.

A Pechuga Mezcal is a category of unique Mezcals also referred to as "destilado con," which means distilled with. This particular type of Mezcal, originating from Oaxaca, features seasonal fruits, spices, and sometimes meats like a chicken or turkey breast. For this type of Mezcal, the raw Chicken or Turkey Breast is hung in a distillation chamber, allowing the juices from the meat to contribute to the sprit's flavor. Originally, Pechuga Mezcals were made for celebratory and festive purposes, but now they are being recognized as a unique Mezcal category with further commercial reach. Mezcales de Pechuga offer unique and sometimes savory flavors due to their seasonal ingredients. This category can vary greatly, which makes it a fun category to explore.

No, not all Pechuga Mezcals are made with meat, or add meat during the distillation process. Many Pechugas or "destilados con" use only fruits and spices. Sometimes these will be labeled as Vegan Pechuga.

For Pechuga Mezcal, chicken and turkey breast have been commonly used. However, there is seemingly no limitation on what other meats can be used, with some brands even using iguana, venison, and rabbit.

Typically, Mezcal is vegan, but not all types are. Many Pechuga Mezcals and "destilados con" use meat during distillation. Some Mezcals also use honey or gusanos (agave worms) in their processes.