The presence of a worm in mezcal bottles is indeed an interesting and somewhat controversial topic. To understand why there is a worm in mezcal, we need to delve into its history and the marketing strategies employed by mezcal makers.
The tradition of putting a worm in mezcal can be traced back to the 1950s in Mexico. It is said that a mezcal producer discovered a moth larvae in a batch of his liquor and, rather than discarding the contaminated batch, he decided to taste it. Surprisingly, he found that the presence of the larvae actually enhanced the flavor of the mezcal. This discovery led him to believe that the worm, or “gusano” in Spanish, was a desirable addition to his product.
Seeing an opportunity to differentiate his mezcal from others, the producer began adding worms to all his bottles as a marketing strategy. The idea caught on and soon became a popular practice among mezcal makers, particularly in certain regions of Mexico where mezcal production is concentrated.
However, it’s important to note that not all mezcal contains a worm. In fact, the inclusion of a worm is specific to certain types of mezcal, particularly those from the state of Oaxaca. Mezcal, like its close cousin tequila, is made from the agave plant. The most common species used for mezcal production is the Espadin agave, which takes around 8-12 years to mature before it can be harvested.
The worm found in mezcal bottles is actually the larvae of a moth called Hypopta agavis. These larvae primarily infest the agave plants, burrowing into the core of the plant where they feed on the agave’s sugars. When the agave is harvested and roasted to produce mezcal, the larvae are killed in the process and often end up at the bottom of the bottles.
While some argue that the presence of the worm adds a unique flavor to the mezcal, others believe that it is purely a marketing gimmick designed to attract consumers. The truth lies somewhere in between. The larvae themselves are relatively tasteless, and their presence does not significantly alter the flavor of the mezcal. However, some claim that the worm’s oils and remnants may contribute subtle flavors or aromas to the drink.
It’s also worth mentioning that the inclusion of a worm in mezcal bottles has become a popular novelty, particularly among tourists. Many people enjoy the thrill of consuming a drink with a worm in it, seeing it as a unique and adventurous experience. This has undoubtedly contributed to the ongoing practice of including worms in mezcal bottles.
The presence of a worm in mezcal bottles originated as a marketing strategy in the 1950s. While some argue that it enhances the flavor of the mezcal, others see it as nothing more than a novelty. Whether you choose to embrace or avoid the worm is ultimately a matter of personal preference.