Podcasts about agave spirits

“You just do it by the old way. It's not difficult. It's not fast, but it's not difficult. If we make it fast, you have to correct a lot of things. When you give the real time for a distillation, you get all the flavors. Give it the time, the real time that it needs to make it.” That's Alvaro Fernandez, founder of El Acabo Raicilla and Asil Raicilla de la Sierra. We profile those brands — and talk about the Raicilla denomination of origin — in this episode of Agave Road Show! Agave Road Show is an advertorial podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand specific brands of agave spirits. Sometimes other Mexican spirits. Really, whatever they pay us to profile. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto with tons of quotes from  Alvaro Fernandez and Fausto Romero from Taberna Tres Gallos, makers of El Acabo Raicilla and Asil Raicilla de la Sierra! Episode Notes You can read the current NOM for Raicilla here. And to see the rules of all of the NOMs for alcohol in Mexico, click here!

Before science was invented, things were confusing. And, to be fair, for several decades into the birth of science, it was still confusing. Don't believe us? Check out Scientific American magazines from the late 1800s — especially this one article about scientists tasting Mezcal and Tequila for the first time. Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan‍ ‍of seynasecreto. Episode Notes Read Scientific American, No. 1096,January 2, 1897, for the source of the epic quote in this episode: Not only does the maguey plant give the sap for the drink pulque, but its roots , distilled, yield much more powerful intoxicants, mescal and tequila. And the heart of another variety of the same plant is cut out, roasted and put through a process of distillation to make still another drink. Mescal is described as tasting like a mixture of gasoline, gin and electricity, Tequila is even worse, and is said to incite murder, riot and revolution. A very small quantity of tequila is a drink. Experts advise it to be taken with a grain of salt, literally — the salt to be placed on the tongue first. Several Michigan editors who lately visited the sister republic wandered into a "cantina" in the city of Puebla one evening and called for a drink apiece of the tequila. Each took a taste, felt his hair stand erect, his toes curl up and his skin wrinkle all over his body and was wise enough to leave the glass unfinished. Not one of them wished that time that Providence had endowed him with greater capacity. Shout outs this episode to Jeppson's Malort, Vienna Beef hot dogs, Cocktail MD Ryan Aycock, and Metsal inventor, Enrique Martinez!

Okay, for real, this episode is only vaguely about Raicilla. It's a bit more about profound justifications — that's a reference to a quote from my guest co-host, Shawn Miller of PKGD Group. He brings that quote up as we're talking about the white paper PKGD released a few weeks ago. That white paper is what this episode is really about. But who would listen to an episode titled, “The one about Shawn's white paper”? Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Shawn Miller of PKGD Group. Episode Notes Read “Built Right and Brought Right,” the white paper published by PKGD Group! Shout outs this episode to Binny's, Mezcal Ultramundo, FOMO special editions, G4 Tequila, Marriott Hotels, Jose Cuervo, Diageo, Dan Kennedy, and tahonas.   Ad Links If you want to taste 24,000 acres of wild desert, get yourself a bottle of Mezcal Ultramundo! Since 2005, Chicotona has been producing Mezcal with a focus on protecting wild agave and preserving the land for future generations! Head out on an Agave Road Trip with Finca 18! Greg Rutkowski will take you on his Agave Road Trip Route #2 - Raicilla de la Costa! Price includes a bottle of Paulo Rodriguez's fabled, limited Tumbado batch! Order beautiful spirits to be delivered to anywhere in Mexico — beautiful or otherwise — through Agave Spirits Presents!

I recorded a few weeks ago an episode with Marissa Paragano in which we talked about the 2025 numbers from Comercam. But we got so distracted by overall sales that I forgot to highlight this one very important fact: plain, old Mezcal (in other words, the stuff that can be made industrially) has doubled in one year. Marissa was too busy with her weekly YouTube show, “The TequiLadies,” so Linda Sullivan got tagged in for the conversation! Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto. Episode Notes Catch the 2025 Mezcal numbers from Comercam here and listen to Marissa and I talking the numbers in “Is Mezcal searching for mainstream success?” Shout outs this episode to Humboldt Park, Chava's podcast, “Heritage Mezcal,” Jonathan McKinney, Tequila Arriesgado, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, Fausto of Asil and El Acabo Raicillas, and Marsh Hen Mills grits. Ad Links Every time you drink El Acabo Raicilla, you're helping to support the biodiversity of Jalisco — it's a delicious way to help the environment! Since 2005, Chicotona has been producing Mezcal with a focus on protecting wild agave and preserving the land for future generations! Head out on an Agave Road Trip with Finca 18! Greg Rutkowski will take you on his Agave Road Trip Route #2 - Raicilla de la Costa! Price includes a bottle of Paulo Rodriguez's fabled, limited Tumbado batch! Order beautiful spirits to be delivered to anywhere in Mexico — beautiful or otherwise — through Agave Spirits Presents!

“Before, only white people or gringos used to sell Mezcal, and the consumer was used to only buying it from those people. But now the consumer is changing their mind and saying that I want to buy from the producer. I want to know how it's made. I want to know if they are planting more agaves, or if they are not cutting trees, or what are they doing for the environment. So we have the information here. Not all of it, but maybe enough information to show the people how we do this Mezcal, how we do Palomo.” That's mezcalero Carlos Mendez Blas, owner and producer of Palomo Mezcal. We profile Carlos and Palomo in this episode of Agave Road Show! Agave Road Show is an advertorial podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand specific brands of agave spirits. Sometimes other Mexican spirits. Really, whatever they pay us to profile. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto.

I don't know, maybe I'm just behind the curve on this one. But I had a conversation with Marcado 28 Tequilero Bruno Barba and, during that conversation, he brought up a subject that surprised me: the cleaning of the bottles. And it made me realize, there's an “abocado con” Tequila I never imagined! Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Marissa Paragano (AKA the eye-rolling, not-easily-offended, kind-of-5'2” Tequila Encyclopedia) of The TequiLadies Show and The Tequila That Cares Foundation and added wisdom from Bruno Barba at Marcado 28 Tequila. Episode Notes Marissa is a board member of Tequila That Cares, a philanthropic organization bringing positive change to the agave spirits industry! Shout outs this episode to Cava de Oro Tequila, chef Michael Voltaggio, Chef 28, and Nock Tequila! Listen to our bird poop and horse piss episodes! Ad Links Whatever you're talking about when you're talking about G4 Tequila, what it boils down to is Felipe Camarena! Head out on an Agave Road Trip with Finca 18! Greg Rutkowski will take you on his Agave Road Trip Route #2 - Raicilla de la Costa! Price includes a bottle of Paulo Rodriguez's fabled, limited Tumbado batch! Order beautiful spirits to be delivered to anywhere in Mexico — beautiful or otherwise — through Agave Spirits Presents!

What happens when a category's success leads to its demise? Tequila is the fastest-growing spirit in the world, yet its popularity has put it on a path to extinction. In this episode, David Suro joins us to discuss the world of agave spirits, from smuggling tequila into the U.S. for tastings in the 1980s to the rise of industrialized production methods that he believes have put the entire category at risk of disappearing overnight.We Want to Hear from You!Have a topic, craft category, or craft company you'd like to see us cover? Email us at: info@blisterreview.com to share those or any other thoughts you have about CRAFTED.TOPICS & TIMES:Founding ‘Tequilas' (3:34)Americanized Mexican Cuisine (10:27)The Low Cabinet: Secret Bottles (15:19)Origins of Agave Spirits (21:01)Tequilas Boom and Bust (30:50)Mescal vs Tequila (41:32)Tequila's Monoculture (47:32)Process vs Aging (1:07:35)Transparency in Tequila (1:16:46)RELATED LINKS:Agave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of MezcalsSiembra SpiritsTequilas Casa MexicanaThe Tequila Inerchange ProjectSiembra Suro FoundationBlister Craft CollectiveBecome a BLISTER+ MemberSEE OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicBikes & Big IdeasGEAR:30Blister PodcastENTER OUR WEEKLY GIVEAWAYS:Enter Our Free Weekly Giveaways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are scientific names and common names for agaves … or magueys, to use the common name. But the common names lack commonality: A papalometl in one part of the Mixteca is a potatorum. Less than 40 kilometers away, papalometl will refer to a Cupreata. And even the scientific names get screwy. So what's a nerd to do? Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest evolutionary biologist Daniel Moen. Episode Notes Thanks to Google Books for the agave image on this week's cover, which comes from El Maguey: Memoria Sobre el Cultivo y Beneficio de sus Productos (1901) by Jose Carmen Segura. Shout outs this episode to Michaela at Waffle House #431 in Tucson, the Agave Heritage Festival, mezcalero Ildefonso Macedas Ginez, mezcalero Amando Alvarado Alvarez, Jason Paul Cox and Cinco Sentidos, and Hidden Rose Apples.

A recent episode of the VinePair podcast, titled "Mezcal's Continued Search for Mainstream Success,” feels to me like it was riddled with inaccuracies. And for some reason, it also feels to me like it stands in stark contrast to the recently released 2025 numbers from Comercam, the largest of the bodies certifying Mezcal. So I asked one of my favorite numbers gabbers, Marissa Paragano, to gab about that in this gabfest episode of Agave Road Trip! Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Marissa Paragano (AKA the eye-rolling, not-easily-offended, kind-of-5'2” Tequila Encyclopedia) of The TequiLadies Show and The Tequila That Cares Foundation. Episode Notes Marissa is a board member of Tequila That Cares, a philanthropic organization bringing positive change to the agave spirits industry! Listen to The VinePair Podcast: “Mezcal's Continued Search for Mainstream Success.” And do also check out The Cocktail College Podcast: “Mezcal's Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future”! Read Comercam's 2026 report, covering Mezcal (and uncertified agave spirits) commercial numbers for 2025. Shout outs this episode to the national parks, Kegel pelvic-floor exercises, GameStop, Auburn, Alabama, Jelly Babies, and on-premise and off-premise popcorn sales!

We've talked about agave straws in previous episodes, but I've been spending more time digging into them. And more than that, I've been spending time reading about – and now speaking with – Dr. Sandra Pascoe Ortiz, who has developed a plastic that is compostable and leaves behind no microplastics. So is this a solution for our plastics problem? Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto and wisdom from researcher and chemical engineer Dr. Sandra Pascoe Ortiz. Episode Notes Listen to “Are agave straws really better than plastic?,” “Agave Road Trip,” season 4, episode 37. Read “Microplastics Everywhere,” Harvard Medicine magazine, Spring 2023. Shout outs this episode to D2W, CO2, and R2D2.   Ad Links If you want a Tequila that reaches back in time, go check out Tequila Arriesgado! Head out on an Agave Road Trip with Finca 18! Greg Rutkowski will take you on his Agave Road Trip Route #2 - Raicilla de la Costa! Price includes a bottle of Paulo Rodriguez's fabled, limited Tumbado batch! Order beautiful spirits to be delivered to anywhere in Mexico — beautiful or otherwise — through Agave Spirits Presents!

There are places that have massive collections of beautiful, small-batch agave spirits, but having the bottles isn't the same as understanding them. And having those bottles, which are often expensive, requires additional expense in training staff. Or, anyway, are most likely going to realize their financial potential with training. But … who does that? Where do agave geeks go to have the geekiest conversations? Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest evolutionary biologist Daniel Moen. Thanks to photographer Russell Lee (1903-1986) for this week's cover photo, titled, “Proprietor of barroom near Crowley, Louisiana. This man is a Cajun.” Photo retrieved from the Library of Congress. Shout outs this episode to Michaela at Waffle House #431 in Tucson, the Agave Heritage Festival, Lamata Spirits, Mezonte, John Douglass of Pretty Decent, Fausto Romero of El Acabo Raicilla, and Ivan Vasquez of Madre.

“This is my playground. And we are always looking for the best profile we can get. Different profiles, different changes.” Those are the words of Master Tequilero Felipe Camarena, founder of G4 Tequila. We profile Felipe and G4 in this first episode of Agave Road Show! Agave Road Show is an advertorial podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand specific brands of agave spirits. Sometimes other Mexican spirits. Really, whatever they pay us to profile. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto.

Josh Irving, Co-Founder, I & A Agave Spirits (Socorro Tequila) : “How Socorro Avoided the Tequila Hangover” full 556 Thu, 14 May 2026 23:16:44 +0000 4FAiHyLIUo1CUdyfOxghw7y6J8ZIzFlb business CEO Spotlight business Josh Irving, Co-Founder, I & A Agave Spirits (Socorro Tequila) : “How Socorro Avoided the Tequila Hangover” David Johnson CEO Spotlight 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Business

This episode should have happened long ago. Alan is really doing some real critical thing in a good way for the entire distilling community. This conversation was as epic as i knew it would be. We talked of the distilling world, making good products. and the bourbon glut. So much we got into hope you enjoy. Be BlessedOldhomesteaddc.comhttps://www.thealchemistcabinet.com/Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==At Old Homestead Distilling Co., we're a pot still distillery focused on heirloom corn, Indiana-grown grains, unique yeast strains, and small-batch spirits inspired by history. We offer tastings, cocktails on tap, and rotating spirit slushies.Old Homestead Distilling Company in Indiana celebrates a rich history of local distilling that dates back to homesteading times when each homestead proudly operated its own still. Our approach is deeply rooted in this heritage, blending traditional batch distillation methods with contemporary techniques. We source our grains, fruits, botanicals, and yeast locally, embracing Indiana's agricultural richness to craft spirits that reflect our state's distinct flavors.Initially, our distillery will focus on producing clear spirits. Our offerings will include Agave Spirits, Gins, and traditionally-made Absinthe, alongside a unique creation we call "Sunshine Spirits." This is a type of moonshine, made from malted and roasted sunflower mash, offering a fresh twist on an old favorite. Later we will offer Bourbons, Ryes, traditional Whiskeys, and Apple Brandy.Alan Bishop is a self-taught distiller and historian of Southern Indiana's deep distilling heritage. He grew up alongside generations of tobacco farmers and both legal and illicit distillers. Alan began his own education in earnest at the age of 15 on a pot still he built with the help of his father and grandfather. By his mid-twenties, Alan had pursued home distillation to its pinnacle and the time had come to take the next step.Alan began distilling professionally at Copper and Kings in Louisville, KY, where he oversaw the cultivation of Chenin Blanc, Colombard, and Muscat grapes. He was responsible for the production of apple brandy and absinthe, and also the blending of products for bottling. After two years at Copper and Kings, Alan became Head Distiller at Spirits of French Lick in French Lick, Indiana where his focus was on creating spirits with a respect to historical styles of distillation and a grain-forward approach. In April 2024, Alan left Spirits of French Lick to take on the role of Head Alchemist at Old Homestead Distilling Co in Indiana, helping to build the distillery from the ground up. Old Homestead Distilling Co will carry on Alan's dedication to merging traditional methods with contemporary techniques, incorporating locally-sourced ingredients including wild yeast.Alan collaborates with the Mount Vernon Distilling Program and frequently volunteers at the Historic Locust Grove Farm Distillery. Currently, he is working with the Indiana DNR to re-establish the historic distillery at Spring Mill State Park in Lawrence County, Indiana. He also is an established seed cultivator, focusing on the development of agricultural/horticultural varietals for distilling. In addition, Alan provides professional distillery consultation services through his company, Alchemy in Action.Alan loves to write about the history of the Southern Indiana Distilling Complex. You can read his research on the lives, individual methods, and stories of several Hoosier Distillers on his blog, alchemistcabinet.wordpress.com. He is the author of two books on distillation, The Alchemist Cabinet vol 1. Philosophy and The Alchemist Cabinet Vol.2: The Black Forest Method.Alan hosts the Distillers Talk podcast, One Piece at a Time Distilling Institute on Youtube and If You Have Ghosts You Have Everything podcast.

After living overseas for 25 years, Sebastian O'Keefe returned home with the dream of creating a world‑class agave spirit, using plants introduced in colonial times that are now used as cattle feed. O'Keefe told Biznews in an interview that he and his partner criss‑crossed the country testing plants and discovered rare ‘Red Agave' thriving in a dry, salty, high‑altitude place in the Klein Karoo near Ladismith. Harvested by hand, gently steamed in dairy tanks and fermented with wild yeast, the first batch of Inzalo Agave Spirits will roll off the line in the next two weeks. Deliberately not called tequila or mezcal (those names are protected), Inzalo is being positioned as the founding member of an entirely new, proudly South African category of agave spirit. He said as they started working with the spirit their ambitions grew to not only create the greatest agave spirit outside of Mexico but to create a new class of agave spirits, something that is completely unique to South Africa. And it will include two varieties, Batch One, a white spirit, and Barrel One, an aged version to be sipped slowly to cater for local tastes.

Today we sit down with two leaders in agave spirits education, David Alan, Director of Advocacy for the Agave Spirits Portfolio at Bacardi USA, and Rob McCaughey, Global Head of Business Development at WSET. David shares how his program was built to support bartenders and grow the entire agave category, while Rob explains the unique structure of the Agave Masters program and what makes it a standout educational experience. Together, they offer a comprehensive look at the mission of top-tier agave education.  Learn More: https://www.academiapatron.com/certifications This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Academia Patrón & WSET. ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1 Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

I've met at least a dozen mezcalerxs who no longer drink, but continue to make Mezcal. How do they do that, and still make delicious spirits? And what can bartenders and chefs take from this?Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto with wisdom from mezcalero Isidro Rodriguez of Rio de Parras, Michoacan, a poetic pause from Agave Road Trip poet laureate Larry Beckett, and a quick translation from Regina Gonzalez.Episode NotesIf you enjoyed Larry Beckett's poem, “True Words,” you can find it in Song to the Siren, a collection of Larry's lyrics!Shout outs this episode to Regina Gonzalez, Dark Matter Coffee, Greg Rutkowski of Finca 18, Budweiser, blue cheese, Arte Agave, and Malort!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A piña for espadín@Reycampero @montelobos @delmagueymezcal @mezcalvago @graciasadiosmezcal #agave #agavespirits #mezcal #podcast #radioshow #host #Espadín Co hosts : Good ol Boy Michael, Good ol Boy Mike, and Good ol Gal Cary AnnSIPS – A Deep Dive into Espadín Mezcals - Join us for a spirited exploration of Espadín Mezcals in this episode of Sips, Suds, & Smokes! A flavorful journey to discover the nuances of each spirit as they discuss tasting notes, production methods, and the cultural significance behind these beloved agave spirits.From the smoky depths of Oaxaca to the unique flavors of each bottle, our hosts share their insights and ratings on these mezcals, revealing the complexity and character that Espadín brings to the table. Whether you're a mezcal novice or a seasoned aficionado, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain as we sip, savor, and celebrate the rich tapestry of mezcal culture.We will be discussing this Mezcal's featuring Espadín and rating them from 1-5 with 5 being the best:7:33 Del Maguey Vida Classico from San Luis de Rio SIPS - 411:25 Rey Campero Espadín Joven from Candelaria Yegole SIPS - 416:20 Montelobos Espadín Joven Rancho Loma Larga in Santiago Matalan, Oaxaca SIPS - 520:29 Vago - Ensemble en Barro SIPS - 429:11 Gracias a Dios Pechuga de Guajolote Espadín Joven SIPS - 5info@sipssudsandsmokes.comX- @sipssudssmokes IG/FB/Bluesky - @sipssudsandsmokesSips, Suds, & Smokes® is produced by One Tan Hand Productions using the power of beer, whiskey, and golf. Available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeart, and nearly anywhere you can find a podcast.Enjoying that cool Outro Music, it's from Woods & Whitehead – Back RoadsDownload your copy here:https://amzn.to/2XblorcThe easiest way to find this award winning podcast on your phone is ask Alexa, Siri or Google, “Play Podcast , Sips, Suds, & Smokes” Catchup with Cary Ann on her blog - www.straightup615.comMike is always up to something amazing - all of his cocktail books are available onlinehttps://www.mikewolfbooks.com/Credits:TITLE: Maxwell Swing / FlapperjackPERFORMED BY: Texas GypsiesCOMPOSED BY: Steven R Curry (BMI)PUBLISHED BY: Alliance AudioSparx (BMI)COURTESY OF: AudioSparxTITLE: Back RoadsPERFORMED BY: Woods & WhiteheadCOMPOSED BY: Terry WhiteheadPUBLISHED BY: Terry WhiteheadCOURTESY OF: Terry WhiteheadPost production services : Pro Podcast SolutionsAdvertising sales: Contact us directlyContent hosting services: Talk Media Network, Audioport, Earshot, Radio4All, & PodBeanExecutive Producer: Good ol Boy MikeMezcal, Espadin, Agave, Del Maguey, Ray Camparo, Monte Lobos, Vago Ensemble, Oaxaca, Mezcal Tasting, Spirits, Sips Suds And Smokes, Craft Cocktails, Cocktail Books, Agave Spirits, Pechuga, Distillation, Artisan Mezcal, Flavor Profiles, Tasting Notes, Mezcal Regions

Agave 101@Lapulgaspirits @puntagave @ilegalmezcal @vetustomezcal #agave #agavespirits #sotol #tequila #mezcal #podcast #radioshow #hostCo hosts : Good ol Boy Michael, Good ol Boy Mike, and Good ol Gal Cary AnnSIPS – Unveiling the Spirit of the Plant - Join us for an enlightening journey into the world of agave spirits in this Agave 101 episode! We  tackle everything you didn't know about this fascinating plant. From tequila and mezcal to lesser-known spirits, we dive deep into the cultivation, production, and unique characteristics of agave. Discover the secrets behind the production processes, the varieties of agave, and the nuances that make each spirit distinct.In this episode, we taste a selection of agave spirits, including a refreshing sotol from La Pulga, a clean tequila from Puntagave, and a smoky mezcal from Corte Vetusto. With tasting notes and ratings from our knowledgeable hosts, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for these spirits. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, there's something for everyone as we sip, savor, and share our insights on the incredible world of agave.We will be discussing these agave spirits and rating them from 1-5 with 5 being the best:8:08 La Pulga Sotol Silver - SIPS - 420:23 Puntagave Tequila Blanco - SIPS - 430:17 Ilegal Mezcal Reposado - SIPS - 337:52  Corte Vetusto Mezcal Ensamble IV- SIPS - 5Post production note: Mike has the worst case of bronchitis and so his voice keeps changing from the different recordings - primary and post plus coughing while we review/rate these fine products. He simply was not going to let a short term illness to delay this production for one more minute.info@sipssudsandsmokes.comX- @sipssudssmokes IG/FB/Bluesky - @sipssudsandsmokesSips, Suds, & Smokes® is produced by One Tan Hand Productions using the power of beer, whiskey, and golf. Available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeart, and nearly anywhere you can find a podcast.Enjoying that cool Outro Music, it's from Woods & Whitehead – Back RoadsDownload your copy here:https://amzn.to/2XblorcThe easiest way to find this award winning podcast on your phone is ask Alexa, Siri or Google, “Play Podcast , Sips, Suds, & Smokes” Catchup with Cary Ann on her blog - www.straightup615.comMike is always up to something amazing - all of his cocktail books are available onlinehttps://www.mikewolfbooks.com/Credits:TITLE: Maxwell Swing / FlapperjackPERFORMED BY: Texas GypsiesCOMPOSED BY: Steven R Curry (BMI)PUBLISHED BY: Alliance AudioSparx (BMI)COURTESY OF: AudioSparxTITLE: Back RoadsPERFORMED BY: Woods & WhiteheadCOMPOSED BY: Terry WhiteheadPUBLISHED BY: Terry WhiteheadCOURTESY OF: Terry WhiteheadPost production services : Pro Podcast SolutionsAdvertising sales: Contact us directlyContent hosting services: Talk Media Network, Audioport, Earshot, Radio4All, & PodBeanExecutive Producer: Good ol Boy MikeAgave, Tequila, Mezcal, Sotol, Agave Plants, Alcohol Production, Agave Varieties, Agave Spirits, Cocktail Culture, Agave Harvesting, Agave Reproduction, Mexican Spirits, Agave Production Process, Agave Tasting, Agave Cocktails, Agave History, Agave Flavor Profiles, Agave Regions, Agave Certifications, Agave Plant Uses

Ron Aleman of Taco Mucho knows and loves Tequila. But he's now finding himself drawn to Raicilla. “I've never had one I didn't like,” he says. And I have a theory about that. So I run that theory by Marissa Paragano of The Tequiladies in this Jalisco-centric episode of Agave Road Trip!Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Marissa Paragano of The Tequiladies and Tequila That Cares.Episode NotesMarissa is also a board member of Tequila That Cares, a philanthropic organization bringing positive change to the agave spirits industry!Shout outs this episode to El Bandido Yankee Tequila, G4 Tequila, Tequila Fortaleza, Cazcanes Tequila, Lagunitas Brewing, Dark Matter Coffee, La Venenosa Raicilla, PKGD Group, El Acabo Raicilla, and the DC Chocolate Fest!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are people in rural Mexico for whom Mezcal is 100% cultural heritage. And there are people there for whom it's 100% business — sometimes tied to cultural heritage but sometimes tied simply to paying for food, clothing, shelter, and life's aspirations and pleasures. So what does it mean when that business side taps into the cultural heritage side to increase business? It's a thoughtful, precious episode of Agave Road Trip!Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with Shawn Miller of PKGD Group.Episode NotesShout outs this episode to Ultramundo Mezcal, Mezcal Palomo, Chrissie Hynde, Sleep Walk's award-winning Blanco Jaguar chocolate bar, red Solo cups, DC Chocolate Festival, Linda Sullivan, The Tequiladies, Connie, and Mezcal Lalocura!

I see it all over the news, hear it in conversations: we're drinking less. But then I look at the sales numbers from DISCUS and it makes me wonder, are we really drinking less? Or are we just drinking differently? It's a complex math equation that we try to solve in this episode of Agave Road Trip!Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto.Episode NotesYou can check the raw data from DISCUS here.

Gary Paul Nabhan is an agricultural ecologist, ethnobotanist, and award-winning author whose work focuses primarily on the plants and cultures of the desert American Southwest. Considered a pioneer in the local food movement and the heirloom seed saving movement, he is the author of many books including Agave Spirits, which explores the world of Mezcal production. On this episode of Nature Revisited, Gary introduces us to mezcal's sacred dimensions, ceremonial uses, probiotic benefits, and its deep-rooted cultural traditions. Distinct from other spirits due to its variety, mezcal is derived from numerous agave species and crafted through traditional methods that incorporate local flavors and elements, resulting in a unique “taste of place.” [Originally published Jan 9, 2024. Ep 112] Gary's website: https://www.garynabhan.com/ Agave Spirits book: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393867107 Listen to Nature Revisited on your favorite podcast apps, on YouTube, or at https://noordenproductions.com Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdz4s9d7 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/5n7yx28t Subscribe on Youtube Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bddd55v9 Podlink: https://pod.link/1456657951 Support Nature Revisited https://noordenproductions.com/support Nature Revisited is produced by Stefan van Norden and Charles Geoghegan. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions - contact us at https://noordenproductions.com/contact

The fastest-growing spirits category in the USA is Tequila/Mezcal. The most popular cocktail is the Margarita. We love tacos, we love tamales. So … can all of that help us as a country learn to love the people who brought us these things we love?Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Alba Huerta of Julep Houston.Episode NotesShout outs to Alvin Schultz, Ben Quasius, Gustavo Arellano and his book Taco USA.This episode was recorded about a month before the immigration raids in Los Angeles. The government's violent response to the peaceful protests against those raids is, I think, evidence of what Alba says in this episode.This Instagram post from my friends at Lost Lore Tequila says everything I'd want to say in a smarter way than I could

At the DISCUS conference a few months ago, I was at a party that was populated by small-brand tasting tables. The one that drew my attention most was the one that was both least visited and most colorful. And my response to everything they were pouring was, Yes, please! But most especially, the White Chocolate/Raspberry Tiramisu whiskey! It's an artificially inspired episode of Agave Road Trip!Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto with wisdom from Al Murphy of Mother Murphy's Flavors.Episode Notes Thanks to Al Murphy of Mother Murphy's FlavorsShout outs to the Distilled Spirits Council of the US, Runts, Skittles, Hampden Estates Rum, Elevate Innovation, Non-Alcoholic Phony Negroni, Zignum Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, Mexico in a Bottle, and “Outspoken,” the monthly storytelling event at Chicago's Sidetrack!

I thought this episode was going to be about blind tastings. And it is. Or, at least, it starts that way. But when you're talking with Marissa, aka @tequilaencyclopedia , you rarely take as straight a path as you'd expect. So if you want to listen to a conversation about that … or about CostCo … or about the Agavos Awards … or how much I paid Marissa to join me on a trip to 818 Tequila, this episode is for you!Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Marissa Paragano of The Tequiladies.Episode NotesMarissa is also a board member of Tequila That Cares, a philanthropic organization bringing positive change to the agave spirits industry!Shout outs this episode to the Agavos Awards, 818 Tequila, Costco, and Marissa's dream team, the Boston Red Sox!

Chuck Cowdery was called “the dean of American whiskey journalism” by no less than Robert Simonson in the New York Times. So when I decided more than 250 episodes into this podcast to finally devote one to Mexican whiskey, I naturally invited my celebrated drinking buddy over. It's (perhaps) the corniest episode of Agave Road Trip!Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Chuck Cowdery and additional wisdom from Ismael Gomez of Laika Spirits, Xaime Navarro of Whisky Juan del Campo and Gracias a Dios Mezcal, Txomin Alcorta of Whisky Prieto y Prieta, and Jonathan Barbieri of Whiskey Maiz Nation!Episode NotesCheck out The Chuck Cowdery Blog!Thanks to Ismael Gomez of Laika Spirits, Xaime Navarro of Gracias a Dios Mezcal and Juan Del Campo Whiskey, Txomin Alcorta of Whisky Prieto y Prieta, and Jonathan Barbieri of Whiskey Maiz Nation for the quotes this episode.You can check out NOM 199 here and to see how the rules for whiskey in Mexico compare to the rules for Mezcal, Tequila, and everything else, check out this spreadsheet.And if the tangent about feni in Goa got you going, check out Hansel Vaz's Instagram page and Fazenda Cazulo!

Last episode we contrasted the good done through the consumption of heritage agave spirits with the damage caused by same. This episode, we talk about the damage done by the casual consumption of agave spirits. And coffee. And chocolate. And … well, everything. It's a casual-destruction episode of Agave Road Trip!Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto with wisdom from Xaime Navarro of Gracias a Dios Mezcal.Episode NotesThanks to Xaime Navarro of Gracias a Dios Mezcal and Juan Del Campo Whiskey for the quote this episode.Shout outs to Palomo Mezcal, Dark Matter Coffee, Chengdu Bistro, Rogue Ales & Spirits, and Chuck Klosterman and his novel Downtown Owl! (But also … go read Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto. Like, now.)

It's amazing and moving to see mezcalerxs whose lives have clearly improved as a result of the growing interest in agave spirits. But there's another side to that story – or, really, multiple other sides to it: some good, some bad, and some … well, the jury is still out on those. We talk about those various stories in this episode of Agave Road Trip!Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto.Episode NotesThis episode cover is Courtesy of Slim Pickens! Thanks, Slim!The episode of “The Hidden Brain” that I was trying to recall is “Relationships 2.0: The Power of Tiny Interactions + Your Questions Answered: Erica Bailey on Authenticity.” So good!My friends Jen & Adam Murphy have great Instagram feeds, if you're a gardening nerd or a garden-in-a-cocktail nerd!Shout out this episode to Jason Cox whose Cinco Sentidos brand of agave spirits is amazing! Equally amazing are his two (count them, two!) brands of Oaxacan rum: Alambique Serrano and Cañada - Aguardiente Oaxaqueño!Shout out this episode to Mezcal tour guide Randall Stockton and his amazing pandemic program, Feeding Chichicapam!Shout out this episode to Chuck Klosterman and his novel Downtown Owl! (But also … go read Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto. Like, now.)

When I first started drinking Mezcal, I was told that there were some agaves that couldn't be farmed — that could only grow wild. And I still here that narrative some two decades later. And it still doesn't make sense to me. So I did the only logical thing: I asked a farmer.Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Tracey Vowell of Three Sisters Garden.Episode NotesIf you're anywhere near Chicago or Kankakee, order your farm-fresh produce (and dry goods like locally grown popcorn, beans, and oats) from Three Sisters Garden! 

In my consumer-focused tastings, I tell attendees that one of the big things I hope they walk away with is, they can lead a more delicious life and support a more sustainable ecosystem if they start drinking more than just Blue Weber processed in Jalisco and Espadin processed in Oaxaca – that's literally 99% of what they drink now, and if they instead drink one of those two eight times out of ten instead of, rounded up, ten times out of ten, they'll be helping to turn the ship away from the monoculture trajectory. And I ask them to ask their bartenders if they have an agave spirit that isn't one of those two, so the bartender ask their beverage director to get something different. But … what if we could get the gringx bartenders to make that argument themselves? What suggestions can they make to put the agave spirits industry on a healthier trajectory?Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto.Episode NotesIf you want to listen to that episode about flights, it's “Mezcals flights or Mezcal cocktails?”If you want to listen to that episode about biodiverse cocktail Mezcals, it's “The Best Mezcals for Mixing, According to Agave Road Trip.”If you're a bartender who wants to visit agave spirits producers in Mexico who aren't connected to brands, check out the Tequila Interchange Project!

Mexico has been purchasing about $3 billion of corn annually from farmers in the USA, the vast majority of that corn having been grown from genetically modified seeds. The Mexican government announced in 2020 that it would, in 2025, ban that GMO corn from the country, which was found to be in violation of the USMCA agreement of 2018. So now, the Mexican government has amended their constitution to identify native corn as an "element of national identity," which will ban GMO corn from being planted in the country – and "[a]ny other use of genetically modified corn must be evaluated ... to be free of threats to the biosecurity, health and biocultural heritage of Mexico and its population." What exactly does this all mean, for farmers in Mexico, for the environment in the Americas, and for the price of tacos? We try to suss it all out in this episode of Agave Road trip!Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Dave Dyrek, retired farmer of Leaning Shed Farm, with quotes from Dr. Hector Ortiz of the Chicago Botanic Gardens and Chef Gustavo Romero of Oro by Nixta.Episode NotesWhen in Chicago, visit the Chicago Botanic Gardens! When in Minneapolis, grab a meal and a stack of tortillas at Oro by Nixta! When traveling back in time, head to the farmers market and visit Leaning Shed!“US wins ruling in a trade dispute with Mexico over its bid to ban genetically modified corn,” AP News, December 20, 2024“After trade dispute, Mexico officially bans the planting of GM corn,” Reuters, February 25, 2025“Don't mess with Mexico's maíz: Constitutional amendment to ban GMO corn seeds,” Los Angeles Times, March 13, 2025

If you want to listen to that October 2023 episode with Khrys Maxwell, it's “The CRT loses their Tequila monopoly.”You might also want to check out this episode: “The Birth and Death of the CRM,” in which MIA Chava and I discuss the end of the CRM's monopoly on Mezcal certification.

Check out Riker's project, MadAgave, on the Web, on Instagram, and on Facebook — and consider making a financial gift. It will help support this important project and also help mitigate the damage done by the recent cyclone that hit the community.In the episode cover, that's head distiller Fomesoa, and the other crew members are Samba, Tsimireke, and Freddy.

Marissa is also a board member of Tequila That Cares, a philanthropic organization bringing positive change to the agave spirits industry!If you missed World Poetry Day, it's not too late to celebrate. Click here for the archived celebration with Agave Road Trip Poet Laureate Larry Beckett and August Gladstone! Some numbers I culled from the DISCUS data over the past eight years:If you just look at volume consumed, 2.7 billion liters in 2024o   Vodka: 667 million liters (24.4%), trending down a point or two last three yearso   Cocktails (RTDs): 658 million (24.0%), trending up in a big way, double-digit growth every yearo   Whiskey: 647.5 million liters (23.7%), trending down four-ish percent past two yearso   Agave: 289.8 million liters (10.6%), trending up but growth is slowingo   Rum: 186.1 million liters (6.8%), trending down in an escalating patterno   Cordials: 180.7 million liters (6.6%), trending down four-ish percent past two years, like whiskeyo   Brandy: 105.4 million liters (3.9%), big hits past three years If you look at dollars spent, $36.2 billion in 2024o   Vodka: $7.2 billion (19.9%), flat since 2021o   Cocktails (RTDs): $3.3 billion (9.1%), trending up in a big way, double-digit growth every yearo   Whiskey: $11.9 billion (32.9%), trending down two to three percent past two yearso   Agave: $6.7 billion (18.5%), trending up but growth is slowingo   Rum: $2.2 billion (6.1%), trending down in an escalating patterno   Cordials: $2.8 billion (7.7%), trending down but not at same pace as volumeo   Brandy: $2.1 billion (5.8%), big hits past three years If you look at dollars spent per liter, bearing in mind that inflation between 2016 and 2024 was 30.7%,o   Vodka: $10.83, up 11% since 2016o   Cocktails (RTDs): $5.01, down 23% since 2016o   Whiskey: $18.30, up 15% since 2016o   Agave: $23.17, up 25% since 2016o   Rum: $11.99, up 12.6% since 2016o   Cordials: $15.54, 13.8% since 2016o   Brandy: $20.24, 10.6% since 2016 You can get all the raw data and draw uyour own conclusions at DISCUS.

Ninotchka "Nino" Gandulla, National Ambassador of Innovation Mixables for Casa Lumbre Spirits, shares her passion for agave and the intersection of tradition and modern influence in the spirit industry. Her efforts are creative, educational, and immersed in the modern evolution of Mexican spirits of all kinds

Shout outs this episode to Cambio Tequila and Puesto! And Howard Gardner's “Theory of Multiple Intelligences”!

That one hit is from Australian Traveller: “30 of the best bars in Sydney right now.”

This episode was inspired by a post that Mexican distiller Tomas Nava made in the Facebook group Mezcal Society. His post was inspired by the entry for “foreshots” at SpiritsBeacon.com. The response from Tom Bartram of Speciality Brands gave me the excuse to reconnect with Tom!Bonus! Tom's puntas-filled annecdote!

Check out 30A Distilling Co. when you're in Florida!

First and foremost, when claims are made about expenses by USAID or any federal agency of the US government, you can research for yourself at usaspending.gov. This is a great tool that is as close to absolute transparency in government as the USA has ever had. In the (literal) days since I recorded this episode (February 17, 2025), President Trump has signed an executive order that requires “radical transparency” of all government offices. In that very order, he highlights as an example of “how the federal government has wasted [our] hard-earned wages” this item:Numerous USAID grants have come under review, including $1.5 million to “advance diversity equity and inclusion in Serbia's workplaces and business communities.”But he doesn't share the Prime Award ID number or the recipient of that award. So you're left to dig into that yourself. If you believe there should be “radical transparency” in the government, ask for those items so you can see, for yourself, that this claim is true. Or just go digging and try to find evidence of this claim. Or any of the others in that executive order or the many posts the president or Elon Musk have made.Now … to watch the beautiful sermon from Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde — a wonderful call for mercy — click here.To read the transcript of the bishop's interview with “All Things Considered,” click here.While I don't believe I actually mentioned it in the episode, even as an apathetic agnostic, I'd still encourage everyone to read the letter that Pope Francis sent to the USA.To read how the first Trump administration launched the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, click here.

Shout out this episode to Steve Catbagan, Denver, and its groovy agave scene; Arik Torren and his Lot 001 Brands, and fog nets. And of Cambio Tequila!

Shout out this episode to Quiote Mezcaleria!And when in Chicago go visit the desert house at the Chicago Botanic Garden. It's as close to Mexico as anything 1,800 miles north of Mexico!

The previous episode that inspired this episode is “The secret origin of Tequila Oro.”Shout out this episode to Jason Cox at 5 Sentidos! Shout out to Tequila Cascahuin!Maybe dibs in Chicago actually was documented…? Click here!

That incredible beer-not-beer was made by tlachiquero Marco Antonio of pulqueria El rincon de Mayahuel in San Felipe, Guanajuato. I was introduced to Marco by Malena Villasuso and Juan Pedro Valdes of Mezcal Villasuso. This episode was recorded outdoors at Bárbaro Asador de Campo, an amazing table-in-farm restaurant in Queretaro, where we stopped to have lunch with our travel companions: environmental scientist and SACRED program manager Regina Gonzalez and Brian Rabon of 30A Distilling Company.

This episode was inspired by a bottle by Victor Ramos, sourced from his tasting room in Miahuatlan, Oaxaca, labeled “Mensoncle de Arroqueno.” It's the first time I've seen that spelling, but it refers to the heart of the agave — like mezontle. mesonte, and Mezonte. (Hi, Pedro!)

Shout outs this episode to Oaxacan speakeasy Hembra, Marco Ochoa of Mezcouting, Sylvia Philion of Mezcaloteca, and Enrique Martinez of Metsal!

Check out the diverse selection of Mexican spirits being imported by Lot001 Brands! They have Mi Casa Tequila, Parejo (which offers Sotol and Lechugilla expressions), Rancho Tepúa (which offers Bacanora, Lechuguilla, and Palmilla expressions), Whiskey Maíz Nation, and Pelacañas Rum!

Shout outs this episode to Mezonte, Off Premise: Wine, Agave, Whiskey & Craft Beer, and Alambique Serrano Single-Origin Oaxacan Rum!

Mezcal geeks love to run down all the varieties of Agave Karwinskii they can name. And when we talk about Agave Americana, we talk about Arroqueno and Coyote and Sierra Negra. But the most prolific of agaves in Oaxaca is easily Angustifolia, represented exclusively by Espadin. But that's not the sole variety of the species – at least, outside of Oaxaca. So why don't we talk about varieties of Angustifolia in Oaxaca? And is that a possible solution to the growing monoculture in Mezcal? It's another head-scratching episode of Agave Road Trip! Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Linda Sullivan of seynasecreto with insights from mezcalero Arturo Campos of San Juan Espanatica, Jalisco.