Magueyeros or agave farmers may be the most important people when it comes to making mezcal. But who are they? Anna Bruce explores.| Mezcalistas
Mezcalero Jose Santiago brings innovation and creativity to the forefront at his palenque in Matatlan, Oaxaca, making more than mezcal.| Mezcalistas
It’s no secret that I am an avid lover of the mezcals of Durango. In Durango, we find a unique intersection of natural and financial resources, a growing interest and investment in sustainable agriculture and business, and downright delicious agave varieties and distilling traditions. This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are many… The post 10 of the best mezcals from Durango appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
Being into mezcal requires learning. You may think you’ll just pinpoint what you like and then drink it, but it’s a slippery slope. Pretty soon you’re learning which agave varieties you prefer, and then you’re wondering why one bottle costs so much more than another. The answer to that question might be found in a… The post Books & booze: 7 great books about spirits and the perfect drinks to match appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
The thing I love most about traveling is the opportunity to gain and expand perspectives on life. From culinary traditions, to attire, to daily schedules, visiting other parts of the world offers new ways of experiencing the rich variety of life. The idea that there is no one right way of doing anything is also… The post DIY mezcal tasting: dried fruit & nuts edition appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
What is the significance of the mayordomo in Oaxacan tradition? Anna Bruce explores how mayordomo and mezcal traditions entertwine.| Mezcalistas
Raicilla is a regional mezcal from Jalisco, Mexico. Learn about the spirit's outlaw roots, raicilla vs mezcal, and where to find raicilla.| Mezcalistas
What is bacanora? The regional mezcal from Sonora had an outlaw past. We take a deep dive into all things bacanora, including how it's made.| Mezcalistas
Estancia Raicilla is made from the distillation of fermented musts of Agave maximiliana, which take 6-8 years to ripen| Mezcalistas
Is there anything in the realm of agave spirits more derided than a crema de mezcal? I am not a snob when it comes to cream alcohols. My grandfather had a shot of “shootin sherry” (Harveys Bristol Cream) several times a week and he passed his love of that down to me. I eventually “discovered”… The post The case for cremas, or Why crema de mezcal merits your consideration appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
Mexico City has “rediscovered” pulque and pulque bars, despite the fact that they have been part of the capital´s culture for hundreds of years. Forget stodgy, neglected places where regulars warily eye outsiders, pulquerías today offer a wide variety of welcoming atmospheres that attract younger crowds to again enjoy the old “drink of the gods.”… The post Where, why, and how to drink the best pulque in Mexico City appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
Are raicilla cocktails a thing? Yes! For this slushy summer cocktail, Tess contrasts raicilla piquant and herbal notes with crisp celery.| Mezcalistas
Sourdough has its starter. Solera has its mother. Pulque has a seed—and a story we’ve almost lost. The day I almost ruined a buñuelo One Friday afternoon, siblings Alejandro and Mónica Sánchez Salas gave me a ride to their hometown in Tlaxcala. I had long been curious about la semilla del pulque—the fermentation starter essential… The post What do pulque and sourdough have in common? More than you’d think appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
You will never find the word mixto on a tequila label. In Spanish, mixto means (surprise!) mixed. In the drinks realm, it is the colloquial word for a tequila that is not made from 100% blue agave. In other words, a tequila that is made with up to 49% sugar from other sources, which must… The post Mixto appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
Can Mexican gin change Mexico? Taller Astrafilia is changing the agricultural paradigm, celebrating folkways, and building community.| Mezcalistas
The Cortes family of Santiago Matatlan Oaxaca has been producing mezcal since 1840. Contributor Anna Bruce tells the story of how it began.| Mezcalistas
What is the meaning of palenque? Palenque is what a mezcal distillery is called in Oaxaca. A palenquero is another word for mezcalero.| Mezcalistas
Tess Rose shares insider intel on agave trends you can expect in 2025. Let's talk agave spirits in China, adoptegens, and more.| Mezcalistas
Contributor Anna Bruce investigates the world of flavored mezcal, including Hop Mez, a mezcal that's distilled with hops.| Mezcalistas
Is your mezcal authentic? Renowned scholar Ronda Brulotte shares her insights from decades of research in Oaxaca.| Mezcalistas
Curious about Michoacan mezcal? Mocel was founded by two sisters who are on a mission to honor their immigrant heritage.| Mezcalistas
Russel's Tavern is Seattle's most unlikely mezcal bar. Here's how this nieghborhood joint ended up on the "must visit" list for aficionados.| Mezcalistas
With the obsession with rare expressions, is espadín getting the credit it deserves? Espaterra is on a mission to change the coversation.| Mezcalistas
From which London stores and bars have the best tequila and mezcal to the best-selling tequila in the UK, Anna Bruce has answers.| Mezcalistas
Looking for reputable reporting on the world of agave spirits? Your site for mezcal news, plus deep dives into bacanora, raicilla, and sotol.| Mezcalistas
What is mezcal? Traditionally, mezcal is any Mexican spirit distilled from the agave plant. But wait, it's more complicated than that...| Mezcalistas