Are you a fan of unique and unconventional liquors?
Have you ever heard of a spirit made with meat?
Yes, you read that right – meat!
Pechuga mezcal, a traditional liquor from Oaxaca, Mexico, is made by hanging a piece of raw chicken breast within the still while it is being distilled.
As the spirit distills, the heat and steam cook the chicken, allowing the meat’s fat and juices to drip into the mezcal.
But that’s not all – researchers at the University of Tokyo have found that feeding pigs on the waste barley left over from the distillation of shochu makes for more relaxed pigs and tastier pork.
And if you’re a vegan looking for beer options, there are plenty of vegan beers available on the market, including many craft beers.
In this article, we’ll explore these unique liquors and beers and provide you with all the information you need to know.
So sit back, grab a drink (pork-infused or not), and let’s dive in!
What Liquor Has Pork In It?
Pechuga mezcal is the only liquor that has pork in it. This traditional liquor from Oaxaca, Mexico, is made by hanging a piece of raw chicken breast within the still while it is being distilled. As the spirit distills, the heat and steam cook the chicken, allowing the meat’s fat and juices to drip into the mezcal. This unique process gives pechuga mezcal a savory character that reminds you of a comforting broth, but it does not taste like chicken soup.
Pechuga mezcal is not just about the meat; it’s about the spirit’s unique flavor and history. It has been a part of Oaxacan culture for centuries and is often used in celebrations and rituals. The addition of meat to the distillation process is said to add complexity and depth to the flavor profile of the mezcal.
Pechuga Mezcal: The Meat-Infused Liquor From Oaxaca
Pechuga mezcal is a type of mezcal that is distilled with meat, specifically chicken breast. This traditional liquor from Oaxaca, Mexico, has a unique flavor that is achieved by hanging a raw chicken breast inside the still during distillation. As the mezcal distills, the heat and steam cook the chicken, allowing its fat and juices to drip into the mezcal. This process not only adds a savory quality to the spirit but also kills any harmful bacteria present, making it safe to consume.
Pechuga mezcal is not just about the meat; it’s about the spirit’s rich history and cultural significance. It has been a part of Oaxacan culture for centuries and is often used in celebrations and rituals. The addition of meat to the distillation process is said to add complexity and depth to the flavor profile of the mezcal.
The process of making pechuga mezcal involves triple-distillation, unlike most mezcals that undergo two rounds of distillation. During the third distillation cycle, the raw chicken breast or other meat is hung above the still, allowing it to “cook” in the distilling vapors. This releases aromas, proteins, and other substances that inform the final product.
While pechuga mezcal is traditionally made with chicken breast, other meats such as turkey, rabbit leg, or deer meat can also be used. In addition to meat, local fruits, nuts, and herbs are added during the distillation process to create a unique flavor profile.
Pechuga mezcal is a destilado con, meaning that it is a type of mezcal distilled with something other than fermented agave. It is usually made in small batches according to old family recipes, making it a rare and expensive liquor. Pechuga mezcal is not limited to just the mezcal category and can be found in many other types of agave spirits.
How Pork Can Influence The Taste Of Shochu And Meat
The diet of pigs can have a significant impact on the taste and quality of their meat. Researchers have found that feeding pigs the leftover fermented barley from shochu distillation can result in tastier pork. The nutrients in the barley remnants may reduce the animals’ stress, resulting in better tasting sirloin and fillets. Blind taste tests conducted by flavor experts from Kirin showed that pork from shochu remnant-fed pigs had better umami, tenderness, juiciness, and flavor compared to meat from pigs that ate a standard diet. The higher quality taste was likely due to chemical differences in the meat, with fat from the higher-quality meat melting at lower temperatures, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This fat was also made up of a higher percentage of oleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid linked to improved levels of “healthy” LDL cholesterol. By identifying these benefits for the animals and creating a premium tasting product for consumers, farmers are motivated to try a new diet for their pigs, which can also benefit the environment by reducing food waste.
Vegan Beer Options For Those Who Avoid Animal Products
For those who avoid animal products, finding vegan beer options can be a challenge. Many beers use animal-derived ingredients or fining agents to clarify the brew and improve its flavor. However, there are some great vegan beer options available for those who want to enjoy a cold one without compromising their values.
One option is to look for beers that are explicitly labeled as vegan. Some breweries have started to include this information on their labels or websites, making it easy for consumers to identify which beers are vegan-friendly. Golden Road Brewing, for example, offers several vegan options such as their Burning Bush Smoked IPA and Rye on the Palate.
Another option is to look for beers that use plant-based fining agents instead of animal products. Irish moss, pea protein, and bentonite (made from clay) are common vegan fining agents used in brewing. Many craft breweries are now using these alternatives to create delicious vegan beers.
It’s also worth noting that not all beer styles require fining agents. Hazy IPAs, for example, are intentionally cloudy and do not need to be clarified. These unfiltered beers often have a thicker mouthfeel and a more complex flavor profile.
In addition to beer, there are also many vegan-friendly ciders and wines available on the market. These drinks typically do not use animal products in their production process and can be a great alternative for those who want to avoid beer altogether.
Exploring The World Of Unconventional Liquors And Beers
If you’re interested in exploring the world of unconventional liquors and beers, there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, there are beers made with unusual ingredients like oysters, bacon, and even bull testicles. These beers are often brewed in small batches and can be difficult to find, but they offer a unique drinking experience that is worth seeking out.
Another unconventional liquor is absinthe, a spirit that was banned in many countries for years due to its supposed hallucinogenic properties. Absinthe is made with wormwood, an herb that contains thujone, a chemical compound that can cause hallucinations in large doses. While absinthe is no longer banned in most countries, it is still considered a potent and unusual liquor.
For those who prefer sweeter drinks, there are also a variety of liqueurs made with unusual ingredients like honeycomb, hot peppers, and even gold flakes. These liqueurs can be enjoyed on their own or used as a unique ingredient in cocktails.