Booze & books: 8 remarkable takes on the history of Mexico – Mezcalistas
The best books on Mexican history are written with a vitality that's in keeping with the spirit of Mexico. Here's our recommended reads.| Mezcalistas
The world is on fire and I need a little treat, ideally in the form of a latte. My at home staple is a salted maple latte with a base of oat milk, plus a rotating line up of coffee, matcha, or a turmeric-rich spice blend, depending on the context. Recently I thought to myself,… The post Fall drink: Salted maple mezcal latte appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
The year is 1914, and the great stage of history is set to perfection. After three years of fiercely battling for the soul of Mexico, the two greatest figures of the Revolution, Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata, arrive at the floating gardens of Xochimilco to meet for the very first time. Their well-earned reputations as… The post Mezcal and missed opportunities: A story of the Mexican Revolution appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
What do you think of when you think of Mexico? For most people, the country is indelibly associated with tequila–the only distinctively Mexican product that can be found around the world. When it comes to Mexico and Mexican liquor, agave spirits definitely dominate the popular imagination. But the craft spirit revival and the ascendancy of… The post A crash course in Mexican craft spirits appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
The best books on Mexican history are written with a vitality that's in keeping with the spirit of Mexico. Here's our recommended reads.| Mezcalistas
El mezcal, esa bebida que alguna vez fue símbolo de resistencia cultural y autenticidad, atraviesa hoy uno de sus momentos más críticos. Todos sabemos de los ciclos de La Maguey: nos enseñaron nuestros ancestros que se debe a la luna y se alimenta de la energía del sol. También sabemos que es nuestro deber cuidarla,… The post El mezcal en la encrucijada: ¿Commodity o patrimonio cultural? appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
Mezcal, that drink that was once a symbol of cultural resistance and authenticity, is at a critical juncture. We all know about the cycles of La Maguey: our ancestors taught us that the plant owes its life to the moon and feeds on the energy of the sun. We know it’s our duty to be… The post Facing the hangover: thoughts on how to create a smarter, stronger mezcal industry appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
Here at Mezcalistas, we can get pretty deep into the weeds. And while we’re wondering how fermentation tanks might influence the flavor of mezcal, we sometimes forget that–for many people–the more crucial questions are: “How is mezcal different from tequila?” or even “What is mezcal?” These aren’t stupid queries. The answers are complex, which is… The post Agave spirit cheat sheet: regional mezcal categories appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
The mainstream buzz around agave spirits remains strong, which means more watering holes embracing mezcal cocktails and building tequila and mezcal into their overall beverage programs. But not all agave spirits programs are created equal, and so much of it has to do with who is behind the scenes. The aspects of vision and curation… The post More than just selection: 4 of the best New York mezcal bars appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
What is a cristalino? Is cristalino mezcal actually a thing? We get into it. A cristalino is an aged agave spirit that has been processed to remove the color imbued by time in the barrel. The trend started in the tequila industry. How are cristalinos made? Typically, activated carbon dust is added to an añejo… The post Cristalino appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
Our semi regular round-up of mezcals that are new in the market or new to us. The Moon Shift This is a funny, small world story. When the brand reached out to me, I realized that one of the owners was a bartender I recognized from Oaxaca. The resulting video call was a great walk… The post What’s new? Some interesting mezcal brands and one WTF appeared first on Mezcalistas.| Mezcalistas
Late summer is abundant with perfect mezcal pairing opportunities. This sweet and savory option makes the most of the season.| Mezcalistas
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
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
Are raicilla cocktails a thing? Yes! For this slushy summer cocktail, Tess contrasts raicilla piquant and herbal notes with crisp celery.| 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
