Resources and Articles about Agave, Mezcal & Pulque
2019
March 6: Little has been written about the market for mezcal in Austin Texas, so this piece sets the record straight: https://www.austinchronicle.com/food/2019-03-01/dive-deeper-into-the-world-of-mezcal-in-austin/?fbclid=IwAR0sQieDPmoH6sXbj69LtIR0luBKlEU0pq9zb7ISzhLh-gQuzjLDb7jDvvg
February 26: Should devout Jews be concerned about drinking Oaxacan mezcal that is not Certified Kosher? And what if it is? http://tequilaaficionado.com/2019/02/26/kosher-mezcal/
February 25: Mezcal and our Oaxaca educational tours makes the online media in Italy: http://www.pappa-ciccia.it/mezcal-educational-tour/
February 7: What will become of (Oaxacan) mezcal, with multinationals buying up brands. To my thinking, the pressure to produce more has already adversely impacted some brands: https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2019/01/mezcal-piggybacking-off-the-success-of-tequila/?fbclid=IwAR1ASbXTqCPgGGQO841d4VYHQzo1m3xKoMd6CH5JvAgDAKrEh68eU-sTnz8
January 31: Names of mezcal brands we have assisted of which we are proud, and why there are some we cannot support: https://www.mezcalreviews.com/branding-mezcal-for-export-from-oaxaca-mexico-the-starkman-factor/
January 8: Avoid the pitfalls of misrepresentation when buying mezcal from Oaxaca: http://tequilaaficionado.com/2019/01/06/adulteration-and-bastardization-of-traditional-mezcal-in-Oaxaca/
January 6: While written about tequila and not specifically mezcal, it's interesting from the perspective of the growing popularity of agave distillates more generally, and to my thinking the whole cristalino craze was started as a way to give tequila brands another product to compete with mezcal's growing market share: http://imbibe.com/news-articles/spirits-cocktails/tequila/mex-factor-tequila-trends-pushing-category-forward/?fbclid=IwAR1TlKxLVmn5219G-U-P5wJ1FKAkQ9AZj8CZRTyWYFpQARV1MeCmnCXiG1g
January 5: Not sure I care for the name, or the seeming attempt to categorize mezcals as smoky, but the blurb is evidence of mezcal's growing popularity in the UK: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2018/11/waitrose-tips-mezcal-trend/?fbclid=IwAR1GbfyrLGawAmzF4LbMiB4NrTDFo4rof-sgvFJwq0n2JB4avmjSEgWDwg8
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December 22: Holy Smoke It's Mezcalranked favorite spirits book of 2018: https://passionatefoodie.blogspot.com/2018/12/2018-favorite-spirits-sake-cocktails.html?fbclid=IwAR0wy6A1OPyBihCJuWIwXzAike7QHbVDBoziwyrJs4GeCwgT2nGPsgUMuKM
December 17: Cannabis not mezcal article, still relevant as an intoxicant on its way to legalization in Mexico, arguably a healthier alternative, and yes another means of drawing tourism to Oaxaca and the rest of the nation: https://themazatlanpost.com/2018/12/15/mexico-will-have-the-worlds-biggest-legal-pot-market-soon/?fbclid=IwAR1KZO2Q8jruWTc1FqTxFjY0u3k7lYu5zBG0eIOKmSfy-IdRgKb-YAZ7Gok
December 8: Forbes weighs into the Mexican spirits market in the US: https://www.forbes.com/sites/garystoller/2018/12/06/move-over-mezcal-tequila-make-room-for-new-mexican-spirits-crossing-the-border/?fbclid=IwAR03sJCM3Rl0o5YxznEti1AJuuPcCJYOlcmuFLYHyoVmlyB-YRmPWR98630#77af7198769e
November 26: The changing character of mezcal, as big business invades by buying up artisanal brands and making their own start-up brands: https://themezcalcultureinsider.blogspot.com/2018/06/which-mezcal-do-you-drink-3-facts.html?fbclid=IwAR0BXp8j3sdgo1kMkBIGloSOJBE7ihWeyV7C26ksJmH3BBuV9IrqYRaiR7c
November 16: Want to bring mezcal from Oaxaca into your home country? Here is some advice before visiting Oaxaca with that goal in mind, which hopefully will give you are realistic idea of the work involved, and steps you should take if not at least consider before starting out: http://ezinearticles.com/?Importing-Mezcal-From-Oaxaca-Into-the-US-and-Elsewhere:-First-Steps&id=9992318
October 2: Punch Magazine article about mezcal in Oaxaca. The only thing missing from the itinerary, is a mezcal educational excursion to visit artisanal palenques: https://punchdrink.com/articles/where-to-drink-mezcal-oaxaca-city-mexico-in-situ-mezcaloteca-cuish/
September 26: The only problem with "field blends" (the article's term, but I prefer mezclas as the palenqueros state, or ensambles) is that unless you are here and can sample before you buy, you never really know what it's going to taste like, even if the percentage of each agave is noted on the label: http://imbibemagazine.comal-field-blends/z
September 22: Mezcal goes Mainstream, to the extreme: htps://www.usmagazine.com/food/news/alysia-reiners-4-ingredient-mezcal-cocktail-watch/tamp/
September 18: Dramatic increase in mezcal production expected to continue: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/number-of-mezcal-producers-has-nearly-tripled/?utm_source=Mexico+News+Today&utm_campaign=6632635d01-MNT+sept+8%2F18_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f1536a3787-6632635d01-349033521
September 11: Mezcal in the New York Times, yet again: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/06/travel/oaxacas-potent-secret-mezcal-is-born-of-time-tradition-and-a-slow-growing-plant.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=sectionfront
August 6: Considerations prior to beginning your mezcal export/import project: https://www.oaxacamezcaltours.com/mezcalarticles/category/exporting-mezcal-importing
Jñly 9: New York Times features mezcal cocktails: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/05/dining/drinks/classic-cocktails-mezcal.html?module=WatchingPortal®ion=c-column-middle-span-region&pgType=Homepage&action=click&mediaId=thumb_square&state=standard&contentPlacement=7&version=internal&contentCollection=www.nytimes.com&contentId=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2018%2F07%2F05%2Fdining%2Fdrinks%2Fclassic-cocktails-mezcal.html&eventName=Watching-article-click
July 2: Sustainability and mezcal discussed within the context of trying to define permaculture as it relates to both: http://ezinearticles.com/?Permaculture-and-Mezcal-in-Oaxaca,-Mexico&id=9968771
June 28: Palenqueras or mezcaleras, no matter what you call them, women as much as men are the lifeblood of artisanal mezcal in Oaxaca: http://tequilaaficionado.com/2018/06/28/women-in-mezcal/
June 9, 2018: Pulque in Mexico: The intersection of myth and science in reviewing the literature on medicinal properties: http://ezinearticles.com/?Pulque-in-Mexico:-Synthesis-of-Medicinal-and-Mythical-Properties&id=9956245
May 19, 2018: The value of taking Spanish lessons before coming to Oaxaca for mezcal, even if you have somewhat of a background, comprehension, etc.: https://www.spanish55.com/blog/mezcal-experience-in-mexico
May 9. 2018: I wouldn't exactly say "move over mezcal," but this article centers upon Mexican spirits other than those made with agave, such as with corn (whisky), and sugarcane (rum). A couple of my favorite brands are included: https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/mexican-liquor/#gs.wC8k_jI
April 29, 2018: While we promote supporting Oaxaca, the mezcal industry and those interested in learning, it is our obligation to let imbibers know the benefits of drinking agave distillates in moderation, and from time to time taking a break: https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/medical/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-give-up-alcohol/ss-AAws4w6?li=AAggFp5&ocid=mailsignout#image
April 25, 2018: Oaxacan Rum and Mezcal: Article about Paranubes Rum, distilled in Oaxaca, owned by the brand owners of Mezcal Vago. Judah made a group of us cocktails with it a few months ago, and it was exquisite: https://punchdrink.com/articles/hunting-paranubes-rum-oaxaca-mexico/
April 21, 2018: Finally Forbes figures out mezcal, although I disagree with some of its assessments; but then again I rarely drink export and more commercial brands: https://www.forbes.com/sites/karlaalindahao/2018/04/19/best-mezcals-to-try-this-year-2018/#54e84a59463f
April 15, 2018: Just wondering whether the spike in whisky sales in Mexico will continue, as the price of agave for making tequila and mezcal continue to soar, at least for the next 3 - 4 years: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/whisky-gains-ground-against-iconic-tequila/?utm_source=Mexico+News+Daily&utm_campaign=208d0a6368-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f1536a3787-208d0a6368-349033521
April 9, 2018: Californians are now trying to compete with mezcal, by making an agave distillate, plants grown in California and fully processed there: https://punchdrink.com/articles/welcome-mezcalifornia-tequila-agave-production-california-usa/
April 8, 2018: The newest book about mezcal by a friend and colleague, notes apparently the best mezcal cocktail: https://www.outtraveler.com/2018/4/02/queen-desert-mezcal-complex-vers-ready-your-cocktail
March 27, 2018: Ron Cooper and Del Maguey Mezcal have changed the world of artisanal mezcal, for the benefit of us all, for the state of Oaxaca, and for Mexico more generally. The naysayers who now badmouth the brand and/or Mr. Cooper simply because he sold an interest in the brand to Pernod Ricard, should think twice and recognize that if it were not for Mr. Cooper, they would not be where they are today: http://tequilaaficionado.com/2018/03/27/ron-cooper-del-maguey-selling-isnt-always-selling-out/
March 14, 2018: Mexico's federal government recently seized bottles of mezcal infused with spiders and reptiles (i.e. lizards and snakes) in an operation in Oaxaca's Benito Juárez market. One would think the feds have bigger fish to fry, especially in Oaxaca: http://www.nvinoticias.com/nota/87500/confisca-profepa-mezcal-de-oaxaca-con-reptiles-y-aracnidos-entre-ellas-boas
March 8, 2018: While not directly related to mezcal, Los Danzantes does have a mezcal brand, and is now no longer serving coca cola in it's Oaxaca restaurant, in favor of a locally made soda pop, it appears: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/americas/mexico-restaurant-coca-cola-ban-coke-zegacola-sugar-problem-los-danzantes-a8243691.html
March 3, 2018: There are so many problems with this new brand of agave spirit and its misinformed CEO (i.e. his quote about distinuishing mezcal from tequila), we must worry about mezcal's future: https://www.just-drinks.com/news/stoli-group-readies-mezcal-category-entry-just-drinks-exclusive_id125268.aspx
February 24, 2018: The rising price of agave and agave spirits (mezcal and tequila): http://www.tequilainterchangeproject.org/2018/02/22/drinking-for-a-greater-agave-distillates-industry/
January 28, 2018: Article about why mezcal in Oaxaca is important on the world stage: http://ezinearticles.com/?Mezcal-in-Oaxaca:-State,-National-and-Global-Significance-of-Mexicos-Iconic-Spirit&id=9874627
January 27, 2018: Article about the discovery of four new agave species discovered in Oaxaca, and more generally about agave worldwide, numbers of species where, and Oaxacan diversity suitable for the succulent: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/scientists-identify-four-new-species-of-agave/(http://www.nvinoticias.com/nota/83112/descubre-la-unam-4-nuevas-especies-de-agave-en-oaxaca)
January 7, 2018: Here's a recent detailed analysis of last year's change in the regulation regarding the restriction on acidity for certified mezcal, although great "mezcal" continues to be produced with acidity previously deemed unacceptable, and of course with methanol above the current maximum (and in fact I have purchased wonderful agave distillate from one of the Vago distillers, which was rejected by the certification board for not passing the laboratory standard): http://www.masmezcal.com/mezcalvago/2017/12/1/nom-070-scfi-2016-theres-acid-in-my-mezcal-xl2hm
January 3, 2018: Learn about the historic use of Agave henequén for making sisal by visiting hacienda Sotuta de Peón in the course of a Yucatán driving trip, but don't expect much in the way of quality mezcal or agave distillate production: http://ezinearticles.com/?Safe-Driving-Through-Mexicos-Yucatan-From-Oaxaca:-Archaeology-Agave-Crafts-Wildlife-Nature-and-More&id=9858937
2017
December 27, 2017: Mezcal is a primary reason why Oaxaca gets so many visitors, according to Fodors: https://www.fodors.com/world/mexico-and-central-america/mexico/oaxaca/experiences/news/10-reasons-to-visit-oaxaca-mexico
November 5, 2017: It's a common question, so yes, there are agave spirits outside of Mexico, with an interesting background / history on occasion: http://www.oldtowntequila.com/single-agave-100-agave-americana-edition/
November 4, 2017: While my expertise and this website focus upon mezcal, if it's not agave then it should be craft beer, and here's where to drink it in Oaxaca: http://www.quepasaoaxaca.com/the-7-best-places-to-drink-craft-beer-in-oaxaca/
November 3, 2017: A new listing of some of the best places to drink mezcal in the city of Oaxaca, though some goodies are missing: https://www.travelreport.mx/gastronomia/donde-tomar-mezcal-en-oaxaca/
October 21, 2017: Rethinking Mezcal Añejo and Con Gusano: They both deserve much more respect than they currently receive from the so-called experts, bars and mezcalerías; here's why: http://ezinearticles.com/?Reinventing-Mezcal-Anejo-and-Con-Gusano&id=9812019
September 3, 2017: Agave potatorum (i.e. tobalá) blind tasting, best part being that all the brand owners are decent people to my thinking (not always the case unfortunately), but on the other hand, there is a bit of questionable information in terms of accuracy in the article:https://www.mezcalreviews.com/blind-tasting-agave-tobala-mezcals/
August 31, 2017: From Mezcal BUHO to Oaxacan restaurant in NYC, TJ spreads his wings: http://www.grubstreet.com/2017/08/oaxacan-inspired-claro-opens-in-gowanus.html
July 28, 2017: Articles about Mezcal del Maguey continue, this time with a Starkman reference: http://smartbrief.com/original/2017/07/mezcal-makes-inroads-us
July 20, 2017: Mezcal in Texas keeps the media hopping: http://barmoire.com/2017/07/19/with-dedicated-bars-mezcals-missionaries-hope-to-convert-dallas-tastes/
July 16, 2017: The most recent word on The Pernod Rickard takeover of Mezcal de Maguey (I'm not so sure): https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2017/07/del-maguay-upping-mezcal-production-sustainably-is-viable/
June 23, 2017: Dallas TX finally opens its first mezcalería ... I am proud to have provided tutelage to the owners: http://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/las-almas-rotas-will-bring-dallas-first-mezcaleria-to-expo-park-9585180
June 18, 2017: The suggestion that tequila could ever take a back seat to mezcal, is indeed interesting: http://www.foodbev.com/news/top-four-reasons-why-mezcal-could-be-the-new-tequila/
June 16, 2017: Oaxacan rum heading to the US, the brainchild of Mezcal Vago's Judah Kuper: http://imbibemagazine.com/paranubes-rum/
June 14, 2017: The positives of the sale of Mezcal del Maguey to Pernod Ricards: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianfreedman/2017/06/12/the-story-behind-pernod-ricards-recent-ownership-deal-with-del-maguey-mezcal/#6f0465ef7a30
June 8, 2017: Mezcal distilled with marijuana in Oaxaca: A lesson in production: http://www.oaxacamezcaltours.com/mezcal-blog/category/marijuana-mezcal
June 8, 2017: Not visiting Oaxaca but want to learn about mezcal in Mexico City?: https://press.atairbnb.com/host-spotlight-mexico-city-mezcalier-welcomes-guests-cult-mezcal/
May 7, 2017: Financial Times visits Oaxaca and reports about Mezcal in London, England: https://www.ft.com/content/6441d308-2f89-11e7-9555-23ef563ecf9a?accessToken=zwAAAVvkIQkwkc9kQdMIL4kR59OVVSPvVj7Pmg.MEUCIQCw0uo2ygrkAvnESdlg44CabJ1c96j98Bqoo-SZ59mljgIgPlyYNkV0gCxBuihzfGVM8IAPBDadm4583nvG4l1VCcE&sharetype=gift
May 5, 2017: Ten Reasons to Drink Mezcal (rather than tequila): http://passionatefoodie.blogspot.mx/2017/05/ten-reasons-to-drink-mezcal-instead-of.html
May 3, 2017: Huffington Post Weights in on Oaxacan Whiskey Distilled by Scorpion MezcaL Owner Douglas French: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/59053b1be4b084f59b49f9cd
