Saving mezcal is a communal effort
The below post is by contributing author Joahna Hernandez who is based in CDMX. We met Joahna several years ago when we produced our first Mexico in a Bottle event in Washington, DC. She is the founder ofManos de Maiz,
The state of mezcal – 2019
This past week Tales of the Cocktail managed to happen successfully in New Orleans. For a few minutes there it seemed like the apocalypse was going to descend, fortunately it was spared and the confluence of bartenders, spirits producers, and
Ley de Desarollo Sustentable de Maguey-Mezcal – a new proposal to protect traditional mezcal production
The below article was written by Rion Toal who has been on the ground in Oaxaca for the past several years working with the Maestros del Mezcal AC. He is also the importer of Mezcales CUISH, NETA and soon, Amormata. For
Journey to the Sierra Mixe with Cuish
There is nothing quite like the Star Wars soundtrack to make a journey from Oaxaca City to the Sierra Mixe more dramatic. It would have been a drive through the sierra like any other: the highway was closed so along
The Spirited Conversation that was
Last night's inaugural Spirited Conversation at Midtown's Cantina Alley was fun and super interactive. Rion Toal of the Maestros del Mezcal cooperative tasted us through six mezcals from five different producers and led the talk that covered a broad range of topics from distinctive production styles, agaves used, background on the makers, cooperative programs, hot topics of sustainability, economic impact, and the need to know more about where your mezcal comes from.
Spirited Conversations – talking alternative business models and mezcal
We're really looking forward to our upcoming tasting and talk in Sacramento with Rion Toal of Maestros del Mezcal. Mestros is a cooperative of small producers from several regions in Mexico. This is the kick off of our Spirited Conversations series where we focus on a specific topic while tasting mezcal. The event will be held April 3 at Sacramento's newest agave spirits and Mexican craft beer focused restaurant and bar Cantina Alley. For tickets, check here.
Oaxaca notes: An encuentro of (many) Maestros del Mezcal
It was a fabulous three weeks in Oaxaca that now feels simultaneously like I was there for forever and that it was all a dream. I'll just sum it up in five words-- so much damn good mezcal. Max did a great little write up about how the mezcaleria scene is changing, with differentiation coming in style and design and of course breadth of offerings. To my great dismay, I was not able to get to Cuish to see live and in person their newly revamped space. By all accounts, it is beautiful and is at the top of my list when I return. I have such high regard for what Felix Hernandez Monterrosa and Hilda Martinez Popoca have done for mezcal in Oaxaca. When they opened their doors in 2011,
Small producers showcase at Mexico in a Bottle
I am often asked - where is the best place to try mezcal in the Bay Area? And my usual reply is, well, my house. Logistics make it hard to actually have everyone over - kid with homework and a
A "wild" tasting
I had a chance to check out the Maestros del Mezcal tasting in Oaxaca. It was completely focused on wild agaves (silvestres) and included a collection of live plants. There were some pretty amazing mezcals from small producers - from
Maestros del Mezcal: Bringing the makers into the process
I recently chatted with Rion Toal about the Civil Association of Maestros del Mezcal. The organization was founded by Abel Alcántara to provide a platform for mezcaleros who are cut out of or estranged from the entire certification and branding process.