Mezcal (from Nahuatl mexcalli, "liquor"), popularly known as 'mescal', is a Mexican istilled spirit made from agave (maguey) plants. Its production and consumption are popularly associated with the Mexican state of Oaxaca. However, commercial and private production of mezcal is known over a wide area of central-south Mexico outside of tequila-producing areas (primarily the states of Jalisco and Guanajuato). There are many different species of agave plant, and each produces a different flavor of mezcal. The term mezcal generally refers to all agave-based distilled liquors that are not tequila (a mezcal variant made principally from the blue agave plant in the town of Tequila and the surrounding region of Jalisco). The mezcal of Sonora is called bacanora in reference to the municipality where it is made. Chihuahuan mezcal is called sotol after the plant that is used there.