Maguey or Agave?

We were torn about using the word Agave or Maguey for the source of Eléctrico Mezcal. Agave is the botanical term for the huge range of succulents that grow across central and tropical South America, but it’s derived from the Ancient Greek word meaning noble.

Conversely, Maguey is a Spanish word from the Nuatl or Arawak, a Central American and indigenous Caribbean word, roughly pronounced mahagua. It means a plant that gives water. We liked that! We embrace Maguey, which also clearly differentiates it from blue agave used in tequila.

Perhaps the agave or maguey deserves many names. This very distant cousin of asparagus has given life to the people of Central America for millennia. Today, manufacturers are discovering more uses for maguey’s seemingly endless provision.

Here’s a basic list:

• Rope

• Paper

• Ink

• Needles

• Thread

• Jewellery

• Roofing

• Flooring

• Firewood

• Soap (leaves and roots)

• Medicine (constipation, dysentery, calcium supplement, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, skin irritations, toothache, jaundice, cholesterol reduction, cancer, Alzheimers and some say snakebite!)

• Biofuel

• Fertilizer

• Hair products

• Bug repellent

• Cosmetics

• Sunblock

• Biodegradable plastics

• Food (leaves, stalk and flowers)

• Sweetener (diabetic-friendly but sweeter than refined sugar)

And of course… Eléctrico Mezcal Espadín, Eléctrico Mezcal Tobála and Eléctrico Mezcal Jabalí.