Mezcal has been “having a moment” for at least fifteen years. The New York Times, Food & Wine, Thrillist … heck, even Better Homes & Gardens are writing breathlessly about “tequila’s smoky cousin.” But … how did that happen? When and why did mezcal become a thing? We reveal the secret origins of mezcal in this episode of Agave Road Trip!

This episode is brought to you by those Tales of the Cocktail sessions that are hosted by your favorite Agave Road Trip cohosts! To attend either “How Not to Kill Your Guests” or “An Imperfect Guide to the Art of Celebrating Cultures,” register at talesofthecocktail.org. Once registered, you’ll want to download the event app, then search for either Chava Periban or Lou Bank, and our sessions will come right up!

This episode is also brought to you by Seminario 12, a space for memory and heritage located in the heart of the historic CDMX. If you’re looking for fine ceramics, tiles, and agave spirits, head to Mexico City’s zocalo — and you’ll maybe find Chava Periban there, leading a tasting! Contact them to schedule your tasting with Chava!

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

In this episode of Agave Road Trip, we include interviews from Asis Cortes of Mezcal Dixeebe and Marco Ochoa of Gusto Historico, Destileria Fantasma, and Mezcouting. And, hey, how about that amazing cover graphic?! That’s the work of the one and only Chema Skandal! Go check out his other art (which, by the way, includes the logo for Agave Road Trip)!