Uncertified Mezcal can kill you
It’s true: An uncertified agave spirit can kill you. But so can a certified Mezcal. Or a certified Tequila. So … what exactly is the point of certification? I had this … conversation? debate? battle? … with Sergio Garnier of Mezcal Ultramundo in another episode in March of this year. He felt like he had more to say and I feel like I could talk about this issue all day long. So here’s your sequel! (And, yes, the title is designed both to anger everyone who correctly indicates that there is no such thing as uncertified Mezcal as well as to increase search optimization.) It’s a leave-the-gun, take-the-cannoli 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 Sergio Garnier of Mezcal Ultramundo.
Episode Notes
That snickering in the background is likely Nick McEvily of Mexico City’s Tu Casa tasting room and Mike Schallau of is/was brewing. I won’t lie, it makes me want to tape before a live audience.
The first episode in which Sergio and I had this conversation is “Why brands don’t certify their Mezcal,” season 4 episode 35, released March 21, 2024.