There are 3 tequilas made using an earthen pit (like mezcal). Here's exclusive behind-the-scenes video of how Patrón makes their new Gran Patrón Smoky tequila. Full story here: tastetequila.co...
Agreed about the process, but one major difference between mezcal and tequila is that the latter has to be blue weber agave. My guess is that this is why it's still just considered tequila rather than mezcal.
Tequila is a Kind of mezcal, in Mexico exist lot of Kind of mezcal, Tequila is the Name of the mezcal that produce in Jalisco, the agave Weber growns in Jalisco, But in Oaxaca Grown Agave Espadín, Tobala, cuish agave. Patron is a shit Tequila, we in Mexico Don't Drink this Brand. Don't be fooled
Someone explain how oxygen was getting to the fire to keep the pit lit for 7 days. I normally see a hole left at the top of the tarp when making mezcal.
the idea is for the coals to slowly burn out so that the cooking time is extended. with too much oxygen the burn would be too fast. But, usually the burning materials are totally gone and the only thing remaining are super hot rocks. This way only the heat remains, and the smokey profile isn't as intense.
So basically, Patron utilizes a fusion of styles which attempts to replicate the industrial Mezcal process as well as the slower "artisanal" process of producing tequila. I'm honestly not impresses, and would rather experience a wild agave Mezcal. Thanks for the video!