Hey Hey Agave

Maguey Minis Maguey Minis + Episode Three  How do agaves reproduce? In our third installment of Maguey Minis we talk reproduction! Lorena Teran Ibarra explains both sexual and asexual reproductive mechanisms. We dive deep into the ways in which challenging environmental circumstances can initiate this plant's inherent intelligence, driving it to reproduce.  In this episode, you will learn about the anatomy of the quiote and its inflorescence. How pollination occurs or doesn't, and all the ways genetic clones are produced. Please please please check out the images we curated and formatted for this episode, it really helps to have a visual reference for everything we cover:) Each Maguey Mini episode has its own web page at TUYO.NYC and includes supportive educational materials such as diagrams, images and charts. We also created a vocabulary page with a list of terms and topics used throughout this series. Please take a look and tell us what you think! ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

Maguey Minis Maguey Minis + Episode Two  How do agaves grow? In our second installment of Maguey Minis, Lorena Teran Ibarra explains the anatomy of the agave plant. We begin with the difference between monocots and eudicots and describe the latter's particular spiral growth patterns. We discuss the leaves or pencas of the plants and touch on some of the different morphological variations they can present.  Did you know magueys breath at night?! We explain CAM photosynthesis and the impressive way these plants store their carbon dioxide for later use. Each Maguey Mini episode has its own web page at TUYO.NYC and includes supportive educational materials such as diagrams, images and charts. We also created a vocabulary page with a list of terms and topics used throughout this series. Please take a look and tell us what you think! ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

28 + Maguey Minis / Episode One  What's in a name? Introducing our new miniseries all about agave plants! Joining Sabrina is our resident agave educator, Lorena Teran Ibarra. Lore is the director of Copita Project for El Buho Mezcal where she leads the regenerative agriculture and educational programs. In this first episode, we cover the origin of the word Agave and explain the binomial nomenclature system that classifies all living things. We also introduce other names for the plant given by first nation communities in their native languages. We share some stats on how many species are used to make mezcal, and Lore describes the four new agave species recently classified in 2019.  This is episode one of a three-part miniseries all about the agave plant. In future episodes, we will cover morphology, growth strategies as well as sexual and clonal reproduction. Each episode clocks in at around 20 min each. Our goal was to break down the info into digestible segments. We consider this series a comprehensive introduction to the plant itself. Think of it as agave plants 101. If you love mezcal and agave spirits we hope this miniseries will make you appreciate these majestic plants even more! We created a vocabulary page with a list of terms and topics we will use throughout this series. It includes all relative links and can be found by going to the official episode webpage. Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

27 + Lorena Terán Ibarra Regenerative Agriculture in Oaxaca Lorena Terán Ibarra is the director of Copita Project for El Buho Mezcal where she leads the regenerative agriculture and educational programs.  Initiated by the founders of El Buho, the Copita Project seeks to replenish and preserve the balance of the natural environment while planting cultivated and semi-cultivated agaves.  Practicing regenerative, organic agriculture in Copita Field is not a one size fits all solution. Lorena was quite candid in explaining the importance of learning from the environment and adapting to its needs. She makes a case for thoughtful and deliberate interventions and strategies. Methods that take time but ultimately produce the most beneficial long-term and positive environmental impact.   Gabriel, our co-host, who also works with El Buho was very helpful in organizing the incredible images we posted to our website. The Valles Centrales of Oaxaca experience extreme weather throughout the year and G was able to capture images from the same areas in both the wet and dry seasons. Check them out HERE.   Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

26 + Felix Hernandez Monterroza / Adriana Correa / Fred Sanchez Agua Del Sol Félix Hernandez Monterroza is the founder of Mezcales Cuish and Mezcaleria Cuish; he and his wife Adriana Correa are the co-founders of Agua del Sol. Fred Sanchez is the founder and managing partner of Bad Hombre Importing.  Adriana and Felix were super accommodating in speaking with us exclusively in English, sharing the story of Agua del Sol, and Felix’s family history selling and producing mezcal in Matatlan, Oaxaca.  We often use the word respect when it comes to the production and consumption of agave spirits. In this episode, Felix and Adriana give context to why the Maestros y Maestras are so respected within their communities and how their understanding of local plants and deep connection with nature make them much more than simply distillers of agave spirits. Our conversation is a window into the various roles Maestros play, making them a cornerstone in their communities and why Felix and Adriana believe it is important to keep these distillates affordable and available for local folks. Fred shares how Bad Hombre has aligned with Agua del Sol in its mission to promote traditional small-batch agave spirits while supporting social justice initiatives on both sides of the border. This conversation offers us the opportunity to learn about the cultural history of these spirits, which goes far beyond production techniques and practices. We hope you enjoy it! Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

25 + Martha Garza Vazquez Cuero Viejo We are joined by Martha Garza Vazquez the COO of Cuero Viejo Mezcal, produced in the town of Nombre de Dios in the state of Durango. Martha shares the history of Cuero Viejo, a vinata and mezcal brand her father dreamed about for over 40yrs and realized in 2015. We learn about the land where the vinata is located and the spectacular environmental beauty and culture that make this region, an official Pueblo Magico.  We discuss the fruit trees endemic to the area as well as the temperature fluctuations throughout the seasons, the natural spring water and volcanic stones found in Nombre de Dios. Cuero Viejo has experimented with a unique approach to bottling their expressions by separating out batches according to the seasons in which they were produced. This allows you to experience how the seasonal changes in the environment can influence the taste of the mezcal. Martha shares the stories behind her family members and the talented vinateros that make Cuero Viejo possible and how they have integrated the family’s passion for mezcal with their new hotel and spa, Urajan de Luna. The spa, called Mezcalli Spa, offers Mezcaloterapia (therapies and treatments using mezcal and byproducts of mezcal) to provide a truly unique experience for guests.  As always we have amazing pics of everything we discussed on the ¡Hey Hey! Agave page and feel free to drop us a line about topics you would like to see us cover.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

24 + Gabriela Badillo 68 Voices 68 Hearts We are joined by Gabriela Badillo, the creator of Sesenta y Ocho Voces Sesenta y Ocho Corazones. Gabriela is also a co-founder of Hola Combo, a creative studio with a focus on animation, brand identity, and storytelling.   Initiated in 2013, 68 voices 68 hearts is an animated series of Mexican indigenous stories told in their native language. These animated shorts are based on the philosophy that "No one can love what they don't know." We speak with Gabriela about how she first conceived of the idea for 68 voices and how the project has developed over the past 8 years. She explains the creative process, logistics, and obstacles they face in producing each one minute short. We like to think of these animations as historical time capsules, each one preserving a story from an indigenous community in their native language, many of which are in danger of becoming extinct. Mexico is one of the world’s most linguistically diverse nations. Within Mexico, there are 364 indigenous language subsets belonging to 68 distinct languages, which branch off from 11 language families! Nahuatl is one of the most widely-spoken indigenous languages of the Americas with approximately 1.5 million speakers in central Mexico. We are excited to announce that a portion of the proceeds from our Cosmovision Collection will be donated to 68 Voices. However, because we are a small company and our sales are modest we encourage you to give directly if you can! It costs $7000 USD to produce one animated short. How amazing would it be if we all contribute and help to produce one episode?!  Donate directly using paypal + Make sure to mark your donation in USD (not MXN) and write hey hey agave in the notes + Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

23 + Asis Cortés Mezcal Family History   We are pleased to welcome Asis Cortés to the show. Asis comes from 6 generations of Zapotec mezcal producers and maguey cultivators in Matatlan, Oaxaca. This podcast is an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of mezcal culture and production from the perspective of a person whose family has been producing since the 1840s. Asis has been involved in several mezcal projects over that past 15 years. Many of them you may be familiar with: Agave Cortés, Nuestra Soledad, El Jolgorio, and Origen Raiz. Asis is also the founder of Mezcalogia, Ofrenda Oaxaca, Puro Burro Sunset Bar and the branding agency, Stratos. This conversation highlights his latest project Mezcal Dixeebe. A collaboration with his father Valentin, developed to honor their ancestors and amplify the connection between agave plants and their culture. Asis explains how the introduction of adulterated mezcal in the 1980’s and ’90s created a serious problem for his family and other mezcal producers in the region. This proved to be a devastating and protracted event for the communities in and around Oaxaca and caused his father to stop producing mezcal for a time. Adulterated mezcal also called Conejo (rabbit), was mezcal that was altered by adding non-agave spirits or worse, synthetic materials, pushing down the price, and making it very difficult for authentic producers of 100% maguey distilled mezcal to sell their product. This is one of the events that instigated the creation of the D.O and N.O.M and eventually the CRM. We cover many topics as they relate to Asis’s experience as an entrepreneur, brand developer, mezcal educator, and prolific advocate for preserving his culture, the culture of mezcal. This is a podcast not to be missed!   Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

21 + Rion Toal Maestros del Mezcal   Rion is a co-organizer of the civil association Maestros del Mezcal in Oaxaca. He is the host of the podcast of the same name, Maestros del Mezcal as well as the founder of Of Spine and Vine an importer and distributor of rare beverages.   We discussed how Maestros del Mezcal promotes and advocates for the protection of traditional mezcal in Oaxaca and the surrounding states in Mexico. This social project has been in existence for over two decades but was officially formed in 2009. The association provides financial and technical support to producers to help improve their palenques, replant agave in danger of extinction, and reforest trees used for fuel in the production of mezcal. They also hold public tasting events that promote traditionally produced mezcal and are importing some of these expressions under the label Maestros del Mezcal.   The association is behind the proposition “Ley de Desarollo Sustentable de Maguey-Mezcal”, which is a proposed law aimed to manage all aspects of traditional mezcal production in Mexico. Currently in preliminary stages within the governmental process, its scope would essentially supersede the CRM and put in place new standards for the regulation of traditional mezcal as defined by the proposition.    Rion has been living in Oaxaca since 2009. His vast knowledge of agave plants in the region is remarkable, we learned so much! Of particular interest is the species called Lyoba, which is predominantly found in the Tlacolula region and is commonly referred to as “coyote”. We also discussed the map he created that depicts the agaves endemic to the regions of Oaxaca. He’s working on making a print version available - in the meantime, you can see it here.   Please check out the Hey Hey Agave page on our website where we post links to topics we covered as well as images that our guests provide.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

21 + Salvador Picazo Chavez La Luna Mezcal Salvador Picazo Chavez is the founder and President of Puente Internacional and the founder of La Luna Mezcal and Gustoso Aguardiente Rum, both produced in Michoacán, Mexico. This is the first interview we have had with a producer from Michoacán but definitely not the first conversation about the State and the mezcal produced there. Michoacán is a rich and fertile region of Mexico, where most of the Avocados consumed in the US are grown. It is home to a vibrant culinary tradition and has a history of sugar cane distillation and mezcal production.  Chava’s story and the story of La Luna is a coming home of sorts. Chava was born in California and raised in Sonoma. His father grew up on a farm in Cotija, Michoacán and his mom is from Ecatepec, Estado de Mexico. Chava was drawn back to his Father’s home town and inspired by the potential he saw within his family and his network of friends to create a brand of mezcales that would express the specific terroir of the region.  Chava explains La Luna’s evolution from purchasing distillates from one producer to building vinatas and distilling with his own team. They are currently building vinatas in Indaparapeo, Cotija and Etucuaro. We discuss the different production styles, which vary among their vinatas. We learn about the agaves of the region, both silvestre and cultivated, and discuss what the future holds for La Luna. Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

20 + Niki Nakazawa & Leonardo Comercio Neta Spirits / PM Spirits We have two guests with us for this installment of the pod. Niki Nakazawa co-founder of the Agave Spirits Brand NETA and Leonardo Comercio of PM Spirits, an importer and distributor of small-production distillates made by artisan distillers from around the world. Niki has lived in Mexico for the past 12 ½ years and has been involved in several culinary and spirits driven projects. In this conversation, we learn how Niki fell in love with agave spirits early on in her life and how her friendship with Max Rosenstock led them to bring Neta to the US market.  We discuss how Max and Niki have built and developed their relationship with the cooperative of producers they work with called Grupo Productor Logoche from Logoche, in Lachigüizo which is a town outside of Miahautlan, Oaxaca. The group is composed of immediate and extended family who are mezcaleros and agave growers. Leo tells how he was introduced to the brand and how PM came to import Neta, which is bottled as an agave spirit. We discuss PM Spirits' commitment to sourcing artisanal handcrafted spirits from around the world and their philosophy on how they build their portfolios.  Finally, we touched on the different expressions Neta offers and specific production practices that make these spirits very special indeed.   Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: @milagroverdebk Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

19 + Scott Rosenbaum / Spirits Portfolio: Taste, place and the market Quarantine remote podcasting continues with our guest Scott Rosenbaum, Vice President of T. Edward Wine and Spirits. In addition to developing an exceptional spirits portfolio, he also teaches at the IWC and at NYU. If you’ve been listening for a while you might remember that T. Edward’s agave portfolio includes Lagrimas de Dolores and Cinco Sentidos. We have hosted podcasts with both brand owners: German Gutierrez Gamboa of Lagrimas and Jason Paul Cox of Cinco Sentidos. The conversation we had with Scott provides context to how the role of importer and distributor functions between the brand and the market and ultimately how they cultivate that relationship. It also offers aspiring spirits specialists an opportunity to learn about how Scott got started in his career and the paths he took, including weathering the 2008 financial crisis.  We made our first attempt to discuss terroir in agave spirits, a subject we hope to explore more in future episodes. The concept of terroir is fantastically complicated and imperfect when compared with wine, however, it does allow for a structure with which to talk about the different elements that make each spirit special and unique to the place the plants were grown and where the spirit was made. Check out T. Edward's live morning show on IG! They feature producers from around the world. You get an up-close tour of their vineyards, distilleries and best of all you get to hear directly from them:) Stay Positive and Sip Mezcal!   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Editing: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

18 + Ferron Salniker / Mezcal Community Update Welcome to our very first remote recording! Joining us is Ferron Salniker, a freelance journalist and events manager for Mezcalistas. We thought it would be good to check in with Ferron and see how the industry is adapting to this new #stayhome quarantine world. We discuss the current state of the pandemic in LA and NY including the repercussions we are seeing in the industry so far. Ferron shares information about Mezcalistas' new virtual programming called Conversations in Agave. We also took the opportunity to discuss her recent article for Life and Thyme about the Vieyra family who produces mezcal under their brand, Don Mateo, in Michoacan.  We are using this episode's webpage as a resource database with links to different organizations that can help people in need - everyone from service and hospitality workers as well as our undocumented friends. Please feel free to email us with other resources you think would be helpful. We will update it regularly. Stay Safe and Healthy Everyone!   Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests.  ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Sound Editor: Brittany Prater Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

17 + Elisandro Gonzalez Molina  / Tosba Mezcal + PART TWO In PART TWO, we discuss the traditional use of mezcal within Zapotec communities vs. the roll of mezcal in the international market. Elisandro explains some of the experiences he and Edgar have had within their community and how they are implementing initiatives to help support and sustain the community and the environment. Part of this collaboration is called GOZONA which is a native word used to describe how community members come together to help one another. We taste Tosba’s latest Cenizo Agave expression (so exciting!) and Elisandro introduces us to their latest project DAKABEND, a Rum Agricole that hit the market last year.  ASK ELISANDRO ANYTHING!  Ask a question to Elisandro by emailing us or sending a DM.  We will record a question and answer pod with him:) This is a great opportunity to follow up on the things we discussed and ask questions about topics we didn’t cover! Everything is on the table, so dig in!   Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

17 + Elisandro Gonzalez Molina  / Tosba Mezcal + PART ONE This is PART ONE of a two-part series. We speak with Elisandro Gonzalez Molina, who along with his cousin Edgar Gonzalez Ramirez, are the producer-owners of Tosba Mezcal. PART ONE focusses on Elisandro and Edgar’s early life. He explains his experience growing up in the Sierra Norte region of Oaxaca in a town called San Cristobal Lachirioag which is a Zapotec community. We discuss how he and Edgar decided to plant agaves before building their palenque, while they were both living and working in California. Elisandro takes us through the early days when they were first learning how to make mezcal, including how they built their palenque using an old roof from the local Mercado. Elisandro gives us his perspective on the reality of mezcaleros today and he shares the difficulties he and Edgar faced when certifying their destilados de agave. We end the conversation with Elisandro explaining Edgar's production style and we review the expressions they currently offer in the US market.   Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

16 + Jason Paul Cox / Cinco Sentidos In this episode, we talk with Jason Paul Cox. Jason is the owner of Cinco Sentidos, a small batch agave spirits brand specializing in artisanal and ancestral single expression mezcals. Cinco Sentidos tends to be a sought-after brand due to the limited number of expressions that make it to a few lucky US States.  Jason explains the brands' origin and development alongside El Destilado his farm-to-table restaurant with partner Joseph Gilbert in Oaxaca City. We discuss some of the expressions that are available in the US, including the Papalome produced by Amando Alvarez in Santa Maria Ixcatlan.  We talk about a 20-day agave roast, raw-hide fermentation and what makes Delfino Tobón Mejia’s lenteja still unique. Look out for the new La Coleccion Mixteca, a series of agave spirits from the Mixteca region which includes areas in Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guerrero (so far this collection includes expressions from Puebla and Oaxaca). Jason also introduced us to his newest project, an agricole-style rum, or aguardiente de caña. Cañada is produced by the Krassel family in the region of Oaxaca known as the cloud forest.Read more about Jason and Cinco Sentidos here: T Edward Wine and Spirits / Cinco Sentidos K&L Spirits Journal / What's in a name?   Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

15 + Dalton Kreiss & Hanna Woodside / Maguey Melate In this episode, we talk with the founders and owners of Maguey Melate, a subscription-based agave spirits club. Dalton and Hanna explain how and why they decided to create a bi-monthly subscription model. We discuss what it’s like to build a business from scratch and how the creation of the signature box developed over time.  They also spoke in detail about their motivation behind highlighting the Mezcalero in such a prominent way, how they utilize video and social media to educate their customers and why they believe transparency matters. If you want to learn why these guys choose to bottle as Agave Spirits instead of Mezcal this is a must-listen.  Dalton and Hanna live in Oaxaca and we talked about what it has been like integrating into the community, the importance of building trust with their producers and how they had help from amazing friends and colleagues.   Check out the !Hey Hey! Agave page on our website to see pictures from our guests.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

14 + Field Notes / Michoacán  We are excited to announce that this episode is the first in an ongoing series we are calling Field Notes. These are conversations we have with friends and colleagues who have recently returned from trips to Mexico researching Mezcal and agave distillate production. Today's edition features Michoacán. Our guest is Tess Rose Lampert who traveled to Michoacán with Ferron Salniker. Tess and Ferron were researching producers and planning the itinerary for some upcoming tours that Mezcalistas will be offering to both the TRADE and Consumers. We talk Cupreata Agaves, production styles and particular traditions that surround the spirit. Tess also explained what it's like to travel to vinatas using the Ruta de Mezcal, a series of signage used to help travelers connect with local producers.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

13 + German Guttierez / Lágrimas de Dolores / we want to represent everything that Durango is German Gutiérrez Gamboa joins us, who along with his family, owns and operates Hacienda Lagrimas de Dolores in Durango, Mexico. They bottle their mezcals under the name Lagrimas de Dolores. In addition to producing their own expressions, Lagrimas de Dolores also partner with vinateros in the region to offer a variety of expressions.  This was our first conversation with a producer from Durango and we learned so much from German. He explained the history of mezcal production in Durango and described specific elements of the process that define the “Durango style”. We discussed the Cenizo agave at length and several other endemic varieties. German described the sport of Charreria, the traditional practice of horsemanship, that is a big part of his family history as well as the history of Durango.  Tess Rose Lampert, who helped to organize this podcast, also joined us for this in-depth conversation.   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

12 + Ferron Salniker / Women in Mezcal / it’s about origins not trends This episode focuses on women in mezcal. Ferron Salniker joins us to share her experiences traveling in Mexico and researching women in the industry. Ferron tells each producer’s story; how they came to mezcal, the obstacles they face and what their goals are for the future of their business. These women come from very different socio-economic backgrounds, and each has their own reasons as to how and why they choose to produce agave spirits.  This is a topic we will continue discussing on the podcast. We are asking our listeners to share the names of women mezcaleras, vinateras and their brands that we did not mention in this episode. You can post in the comments section or email us at hola@tuyo.nyc. Ferron is a journalist who writes about the intersection of food and culture. She has been published widely in print magazines, newspapers and online media publications. She is the event manager and coordinator for Mezcalistas the online publication that is a great resource for thoughtful reporting on the mezcal industry; they organize Mezcal Week and host the infamous Mexico in a Bottle events around the country. Ferron also hosts a wonderful blog Ferronlandia that I encourage you all to visit, especially before traveling to Mexico! Here are just a few of Ferron’s published articles we recommend: Are women behind the rising mezcal wave in Durango? Journey to the Sierra Mixe with Cuish Talking perseverance, sisterhood and Tlacolula’s gastronomy with Oaxacan Cocinera Tradicional, Catalina Chávez   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

11 + Lou Bank / S.A.C.R.E.D / Most of the time it works just fine On this edition of the podcast, we welcomed Lou Bank, entrepreneur and founder of S.A.C.R.E.D (Saving Agave for Culture, Recreation, Education and Development). S.A.C.R.E.D is a not-for-profit that helps improve lives in the rural Mexican communities where heirloom agave spirits are made.  We discuss the projects that S.A.C.R.E.D is currently involved in as well as the mechanism he has created to encourage donations to the organization. Lou shares his technique for bringing back expressions from Mexico (spoiler alert, you can bring back a lot more than I thought). You can find Lou traveling throughout the states sharing agave distillates along with his particular perspectives about these spirits, Mexico and the mezcal industry. As always we posted images Lou generously shared with us on the !Hey Hey! Agave page of our website. Take a look at this great time-lapse video of the quiote blooming from the 50-year-old Agave Americana at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Lou is hosting an event there on Sept 12th to celebrate the blooming plant, a once in its lifetime event!   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

10 + Alex Jandernoa & Mariah Kunkel / Banhez Mezcal Artesanal / That's how I ended up with a portrait of Ejutla on my chest In this episode we discuss the mezcal brand Banhez with Mariah and Alex. Mariah is the Brand Development Manager for Banhez. Alex until recently was the Banhez Brand Manager (Mexico), and is now the Director of Education for Banhez and CNI Brands. Banhez is owned by a cooperative of producers based in Ejutla, Oaxaca, Mexico. This co-op (Unión de Productores Agropecuarios del Distrito de Ejutla de Crespo) UPADEC is partnered with CNI Brands who is the exclusive importer of Banhez. We discuss this relationship in great detail including the structure of the co-op, how the partnership works and how this model ensures financial security for its members. Other topics we talked about included their signature blend and maintaining product consistency, the Ejutla style still, their Bat Project as well as some of the limited single expressions the brand offers. We took a deep dive into the workings of Banhez with Alex and Mariah who were both gracious and transparent with all of their information. After we recorded this we followed up with a question about how the co-op manages the requirement of the CRM.  Check out the ¡hey hey! agave page on the website to see that tattoo and other great photos Mariah and Alex shared!   Images discussed in this episode can be found at TUYO NYC   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

9 + Spirited Conversations / Does Big Mezcal = Bad, Looking Beyond Oaxaca We are so pleased to share the audio from the recent Spirited Conversations panel discussion hosted by the Mezcal Collaborative. This event was held on June 10, 2019, at Rosa Mexicano in Manhattan. The topic was: Does Big Mezcal = Bad, Looking Beyond Oaxaca. Moderated by Tess Rose Lampert and featuring panelists: Danny Mena of Mezcales de Leyenda, Arik Torren of Fidencio and Kaj Hackinen of Back Bar Project. From the Mezcal Collaborative: The explosive demand for mezcal over the past five years has had serious implications in the state of Oaxaca where about 85% of all mezcal in the market is produced. There are eight other states in Mexico that are currently recognized under the Denominacion de Origen, and not only do they have agave ready for production, but also the resources and ability to get mezcal into the marketplace. This is particularly so in the state of Durango. Could this regional diversification offset any negative environmental and social impacts being seen in Oaxaca? And as production ramps up in Durango, can we look to the models from Oaxaca for bits of wisdom or warnings about which paths to take and avoid? We invite your comments and insights! The Mezcal Collaborative intends to host more Spirited Conversations and your feedback can help shape future topics! Gracias y Salucita!   Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

8 + James Schroeder / Understanding Mezcal In this episode, we speak to the author James Schroeder about his book: Understanding Mezcal. Jay has written a comprehensive guide explaining the confusing and complicated world of agave spirits. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves sipping mezcal! Each of the nine chapters contains concise and detailed information about aspects of mezcal and mezcal production in Mexico. He does his best not to overwhelm us with too much scientific language and manages to impart upon the reader a clear understanding of each element in the process of cultivating, producing and distributing mezcal. There are chapters explaining agave plants and species’ scientific and common names. Jay dives into the mechanics of distillation, still types and the science of fermentation. He explains the DO, CRM and the different social structures that exist in Mexico, and how current market pricing affects agave distillates globally and what that means for producers and consumers. There is something for everyone in this book, much like there is a mezcal for everyone! In our conversation, we go into great detail about several of the topics in his book. For anyone who has already read the book, this is a must listen, there is nothing quite like hearing an author further explain subjects you love and find interesting. For those of you who haven’t read the book yet, it might help to have a preliminary understanding of the production process in order to follow along with the discussion. Buy the book for yourself, give it to a friend, and know that you are supporting a passionate author, an incredibly talented small publishing house and creative studio, and our agave spirits community. In addition to being an author, Jay is a partner and the Beverage Director at Quiote and the adjoining bar Todos Santos in Chicago.   Images discussed in this episode can be found at TUYO NYC   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater    

7 + Noah Arenstein / I don’t even see Espadins as less complicated anymore Noah Arenstein joins us to discuss his approach to curating an agave distillate menu. Owner of the late great Madre Mescaleria in Brooklyn, Noah is currently GM at the Michelin starred restaurant Claro in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn. He offers a well-rounded explanation of what it's like to be on the purchasing end of the industry and what he looks for when deciding to add a brand to Claro’s exceptional Agave Spirits menu. Noah also recently returned from Durango. We talk about the Cenizo Agave and the different flavor profiles it produces in comparison to the Angustifolias (Espadins) of Oaxaca, along with the particular fermentation style of the region and the different lengths of fermentation time in certain areas as well as still construction. We discuss his interest in promoting “field blends” and his passion and love for Espadins. Noah describes the flavor profiles of spirits with a keen and articulated expressiveness that is a pleasure to listen to - we highly recommend making a reservation at Claro and letting Noah curate an exceptional tasting experience for you!   Images discussed in this episode can be found at TUYO NYC   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

6 + Rio Chenery / I wish more people knew about this beautiful thing Rio Chenery is the producer and owner of Estancia Raicilla located in the town of La Estancia de Landeros in the state of Jalisco where they produce raicilla using the traditional production practices of the region. Raicilla is a lesser know agave distillate, that for all intents and purposes is a mezcal. Rio explains the production process in great detail. We discuss the Lechuguilla (little lettuce) agave. This agave is actually from two different species: Maximiliana and Inaequidens, which is a good example of how common names can get confusing really fast! These agaves mostly (but not always) propagate from seed - similar to the Cenizo in Durango. Rio predominantly uses the Maximiliana species. They also use adobe brick above ground ovens. Check out our Instagram to see videos of Rio and his crew loading the ovens! Rio also gave us his thoughts about the recent negotiations to create a NOM for raicilla, a spirited and passionate forum between members of the Raicilla Council and the community (in attendance were reps from the Centro Universitario de Ciencias, Biologicas y Agropecuarias as well as mezcal producers from Oaxaca). We were also joined by Tiffany Collings, Estancia’s NYC brand ambassador who shares her story of how she came to work with Estancia and how she introduces people to the distillate. Born in Australia, Rio spent a good deal of time in Mexico visiting his maternal family. His grandfather instilled a great love for raicilla in Rio, it was always a part of family meals and celebrations. After studying international relations and commerce, Rio worked in advertising and start-ups in NYC before he founded his Taverna, where he produces and bottles Estancia Raicilla.   Images of topics discussed in this episode can be found at TUYO NYC   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

5 + José María Dondé Rangel / There is always a mezcal for everybody José María or Chema as he is known came by to share his particular perspective working within the mezcal and agave spirits industry. Until recently, Chema had been behind the bar at Cosme (the Mexican fine dining restaurant created by chef’s Enrique Olvera and Daniela Soto-Innes) educating and converting his guests into mezcal enthusiasts. This conversation will be of particular interest to those of you working behind the bar because Chema explains how he introduces mezcal to his guests. He stresses the responsibility of the bartender to help to educate their guests and gives some great advice on how not to overwhelm them and instead entice them to want to learn more. We discuss what it means to farm semi-cultivated agave and he stresses the cultural aspect of celebration and agave distillates. Chema is also the force behind Panorama Mezcal. A project he created 5 years ago to promote Mexican culture and spirits. Panorama produces events that focus on Agave distillates, some are parties like Bartender Legion which highlights selected bartenders showing off their skills while dancing the night away. Mezcal Night is an evening where 30+ brands come together under one roof for an amazing tasting extravaganza and specialized educational seminars. José María Dondé Rangel was born and raised in Mexico City. He recently relocated to Miami after living in NYC for over a decade. He has worked in the industry for 12 years starting as a busboy and moving up the ladder to bartender, bar consultant and Mexican Spirits Curator specializing in all things mezcal. He is the founder or Panorama Mezcal and an Agave Advocate. @panoramamezcal Panorama Mezcal Facebook @cosmenyc @mezcalmarcanegra Images of topics discussed in this episode can be found at TUYO NYC   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater    

4 + Justin Lane Briggs / Curating a diverse mezcal portfolio Justin stopped by to talk about his work as a spirits specialist and educator at Skurnik wines and his unique approach to working with agave distillate brands. We discussed how industry and community are not mutually exclusive and how a diverse and robust portfolio can create the space to bring on smaller lesser known brands. Justin tells us the stories of Mezcal Tosba and La Medida Mezcal, 2 brands producing amazing mezcal but with very different origins.  We also talked about the trend to rest agave spirits in glass and he brought a really interesting mezcal expression for us to try that included hongos! Justin Lane Briggs is a Spirits specialist and educator for Skurnik Wines. @jlb802 FB Images discussed in this episode can be found at  TUYO NYC   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. The mezcal and agave distillates industry is booming in the US. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of mezcal and agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

Durango Part 2 This is the second episode in a two-part series about Tess’s recent trip to Durango. In this installment, Tess talks about Casa Cortez and how they have forged family-like relationships with their producers to offer a variety of terroir-driven mezcal expressions. She explains the difficulties producers in Durango experienced in getting their distillates certified by the CRM. We talk about a threat to the environment which can only be described as agave poaching, why it’s happening and what should be done to bring this issue to light. Tess also describes a CBD infused mezcal she tried from Bosscal, an urban distillery. Please check out Tess’s article on the Mezcalistas website that goes into even more detail about her recent trip to Durango! Tess is a scholar and educator specializing in the culture of beverages and food. She is an advocate for the responsible cultivation, promotion, and preservation of agave distillates. Tess holds an MA from the University of East Anglia, UK, in Philosophy of Food and Drink and an Advanced Degree from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Palatrip.com @tessrose211 Mezcalistas Bosscal Casa Cortes Images discussed in this episode can be found at TUYO NYC   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

Durango Part 1 Tess is back to talk about her recent trip to Durango! In this episode, Tess discusses the difference in production styles between Oaxaca and Durango. She explains the characteristics of the Cenizo (Durangensis) agave which is endemic to the area. We learn about several vinatas Tess visited including Lagrimas de Dolores and the head Vinatera, Fabiola Avila. Tess talks about the flavor profile of cooked dasylirion (the plant used to make sotol) and how it differs from agave plants. Tess is a scholar and educator specializing in the culture of beverages and food. She is an advocate for the responsible cultivation, promotion, and preservation of agave distillates. Tess holds an MA from the University of East Anglia, UK, in Philosophy of Food and Drink and an Advanced Degree from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Palatrip.com @tessrose211 Lagrimasdedolres.com Cuero Viejo Origen Raiz 618 Mezcal Images discussed in this episode can be found at TUYO NYC   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the many uses and cultural significance of agave plants in pre-Hispanic culture. Dave explains why this historical context is important to know when talking about Mezcal. We also discuss two pre-Hispanic beverages: Aguamiel and Pulque (both of which are still harvested and made today!). Dave Lather is one of the strongest advocates of artisanal mezcal and Latin American Culture that we know. Dave is the North East Market Manager for 3 Badge Beverage Corp. He studied history and archaeology at the University of Maryland before getting into the spirits industry. He has a deep interest in pre-hispanic history and culture and is currently studying the indigenous language, Zapoteco. @realdavelather Images discussed in this episode can be found at  TUYO NYC   ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater

In this episode, we introduce you to Tess. We learn about how she became involved in the agave industry and we discuss the classes she teaches in and around New York. She explains the etymology of the word Mezcal and why we sometimes use the term agave distillate. We talk about the terroir of mezcal in relationship to Italian wine and discuss some current topics within the mezcal community. Tess is a scholar and educator specializing in the culture of beverages and food. She is an advocate for the responsible cultivation, promotion, and preservation of agave distillates. Tess holds an MA from the University of East Anglia, UK, in Philosophy of Food and Drink and an Advanced Degree from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. http://www.palatetrip.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tessrose211/ Images discussed in this episode can be found at TUYO NYC  ¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. The mezcal and agave distillates industry is booming in the US. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits. ¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC Music: Milagro Verde Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta Editor: Brittany Prater