Tequila & Mezcal

Know your Tequila.

Made according to strict government regulations by distilling the fermented juice of stipulated agave varieties, Tequila and Mezcal offer a range of exotic flavours ranging from herbal, fruity, salty, sappy, earthy, smokey and 'funky' or industrial-like notes. Currently there are over 100 registered Tequila distilleries producing around 800 certified brands. It can be bewildering trying to decide which to choose, so it's important to know what to look for to get the best product for your money. In general, Tequila labelled "100% agave" means superior quality, flavour and purity of spirit that has also been approved by a government inspector. Without this label, cane sugars are used in the fermentation process to produce much of the alcohol, but none of the flavour. In addition, such tequila can legally be mixed up to 49 per cent with other colourings and flavourings and still be called Tequila. At Nicks Wine Merchants, we prefer to stock only the higher class of product so when you buy tequila online, you get a quality spirit.

Mezcal too.

Mezcal is currently undergoing its own revolution in popularity and like tequila, similar standards for its production have now been established. It differentiates itself from tequila by being typically distilled just once, so retaining many natural chemical compounds in the distillate. Mezcal has remained a drink of villagers and artisan producers in the Oaxaca region (pronounced 'wa-ha-ka') which is responsible for around 60% of the total Mezcal output, achieving Denominacion de Origen status in 2005. Unlike tequila, which employs only the Weber variety from fields around Jalisco, there are eleven types of agave, collectively known as ‘Maguey’ which are permitted in mezcal, such as the widely cultivated ‘Espadin’ or ‘Manso’ varieties and the more sought after wild ‘Tobala’ - the trophy of the mezcal world. Unlike tequila, mezcal is required to be at least 80% pure blue agave (tequila only 51%).

Buy Tequila & Mezcal Online and have them shipped to your door.

Nicks Wine Merchants can ship your order to most Australian destinations. We also taste and rate many of the tequilas and mezcals to guide you further in your choice.