I don’t recall in which online forum I saw it, but someone asked the question, Why are so many mezcaleros named Don? Which made me laugh … and, honestly, makes me laugh every time I repeat it. But it’s funny because it illustrates one of the translation problems with agave spirits. We dive deep into that problem in this episode of Agave Road Trip!

This episode of Agave Road Trip is brought to you by Sombra Mezcal and their new reposado expression, Sombra Reposé. Sombra Reposé is a first-of-its-kind reposado made with Sombra's award-winning Joven mezcal, aged in Bordeaux wine barrels. Sourced from the historic and renowned Château Léoville Poyferré, a second growth wine estate in St Julien, France, the barrels are filled with Sombra's Joven mezcal and aged for up to six-months. Enjoy Sombra Reposé by sipping it straight or try it in your favorite cocktails

This episode of Agave Road Trip is also brought to you by Diageo Bar Academy. As the world begins to open up, you’re no doubt thinking about how to reopen your bar or restaurant. Visit DiageoBarAcademy.com for ideas about how to do this in a safe way. Stay informed, get inspired, and nurture connections to grow your career or your business by joining Diageo Bar Academy.

Agave Road Trip is a podcast that helps gringo bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. It’s hosted by Lou Bank and Chava Periban. 

Episode notes

Well, now you know our secret. I mean, if you listen carefully, you know our secret. Or at least one of our secrets. Chava and I (usually) record these episodes super far in advance — we’ll get a dozen done over a weekend and then float them out over time. This episode was probably recorded in October 2020. So when you hear us refer to the CRM as the regulatory body that certifies mezcal … well, when we recorded this, it was. But as you know — because you listened to “Who Decides if it’s Mezcal?” (NOM mini-series #2 of 3) — there are now five bodies that can certify mezcal.

My friend Eduardo who does not like to be called Lalo runs Sexto Pisto Publishing, which Chava says is cool. So thanks, Eduardo, for making me seem cool.

My friend Eduardo who likes to be called Lalo runs Lalocura — which is a much better name than Eduardocura.

My friend Ana Paula Fuentes likes to be called Ana Paula. But she’s chill — she won’t be hurt if you call her Ana. She takes very pretty pictures.