Pronunciation: [mˈɛskə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "mescal" refers to a type of alcohol distilled from the agave plant. It is pronounced /mɛskəl/ with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this word is consistent with English phonetics, where "c" followed by "e" or "i" makes a "s" sound, such as in "cent" or "cigar." The final "l" in "mescal" indicates a stress on the penultimate syllable, which is a common pattern in English words borrowed from Spanish.
Mescal is a noun that refers to a distilled alcoholic beverage derived from the agave plant. It is primarily associated with the regions of Mexico, where it has been produced for centuries. Mescal is distilled from the fermented sap of certain agave species, particularly Agave angustifolia and Agave espadín. The production process involves harvesting the mature agave plants, cutting off the leaves, and baking or roasting the heart of the plant, known as the piña. The piñas are then crushed, fermented, and distilled, resulting in a potent and flavorful spirit.
Mescal is characterized by its smoky and earthy taste profile, which is attributed to the traditional methods of production involving underground pit ovens or above-ground fire pits during the roasting process. The spirit may vary in color, ranging from clear to amber, depending on the specific aging process employed.
One of the unique aspects of mescal production is that it often includes the preserved heart of an agave plant, known as the agave worm or gusano. Contrary to popular belief, however, the presence of the worm is not a characteristic of all mescal varieties and is primarily included for marketing purposes.
Mescal is often enjoyed neat or used as a base spirit in cocktails, providing a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other spirits like tequila. As mescal gains popularity worldwide, different variations and styles of this spirit have emerged, showcasing the diverse range of agave species and regional production techniques.
A spirit distilled from pulque.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "mescal" is derived from the Nahuatl language, which is spoken by the Nahua people of Central Mexico. In Nahuatl, the term for the plant known as Agave, from which the alcoholic beverage is derived, is "metl". The Spanish explorers and conquerors who arrived in Mexico during the 16th century adopted the word, modifying it to "mescal" and referring to the distilled drink made from the Agave plant. Thus, the etymology of the word "mescal" can be traced back to the Nahuatl term "metl".
