I think that the flights into Cancun and Cozumel are affected, but I don't think that's the case with the rest of Mexico.

Our hotel is OK, but United Vacations canceled the flight. So, now we're going in Jan.

Meantime, I'm gonna work on my Tequila knowledge.

I think one puts hair on your chest and the other doesn't. Can't remember which one though.

From what I understand they can both put hair on your tongue !! (the next day !!) 8-) 8-)

Tequila is a kind of Mescal. Just about the same with Cognac and brandy. Cognac is the brandy made in the Cognac area and has an "appelation controlée". Tequila is the mescal produced in the region of Tequila in the state of Jalisco. Other "mescales" produced in different regions of Mexico just have the name mescal. The plant is the same but the cooking process is different. Mescal is made in kilns where wood and hot stones are used; parts of the plant get burned and that is why is has a smoky taste. Tequila is cooked in autoclave, with steam and does not get the smoky taste. There are very good mescales adn expensive too, but the taste varies much more than with tequila which has a better control to complain with the "appelation controllée" specifications.
Which is better? The one you like!!!

Yes, mezcal is made from the blue agave, like tequila, but a different type. We are tequila lovers and loved trying the reposada (aged) mezcals. They are wonderful - try the house mezcal at Casa Oaxaca, a wonderful restaurant. Don't drink them in a cocktail, they are to be sipped and are served with lime or orange slices and a bit of maguey (that's worms) salt. They are available to sample everywhere - enjoy them!

anyone know anything about the Mezcal factory near Oaxaca that has a small Zoo attached to it !

mezcal uses roasted agave - tequila uses steamed agave.

I like mezcal - I find it a bit sweeter than tequila when sipping straight. With tequila I like a sangrita chaser with it. I had very smooth versions of both types.