In 2020, 86% of all mezcal was classified as “artesenal.” Twelve percent was just straight-up “mezcal,” so … made in a more industrial way. And only 2% was classified as “ancestral.” So is “artesenal” as artisanal as the name suggests? And who knows what that word even means? Chava gets quizzed on the mezcal NOM in this episode of Agave Road Trip!

Zapotitlán de Vadillo is a community of some 6,000 people in south central Jalisco. There’s a long history of traditional agriculture in this community — what’s now being called regenerative farming. But that history is at risk of disappearing. SACRED is supporting the build of a 4,000-square-foot public library in the community. The focus of the library will be regenerative farming, with a large portion of the collection being selected by local vinateros. SACRED is humbled and proud to be able to help support the future of regenerative agriculture in Zapotitlán de Vadillo. And it’s all made possible by a grant from 818 Tequila. To learn more about this library, and the other projects 818 Tequila is funding, please visit us at sacred.mx. The earth is home to all of us, and we’re honored to have been selected by 818 Tequila as their partner in making it a more welcoming home.

Agave Road Trip is an award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. It’s hosted by Lou Bank and Chava Periban. 

Episode notes

Want the complete lowdown on every major spirits NOM in Mexico? Click here!

And after this episode was recorded, I visited a bunch of producers who are certifying their mezcal as artesenal … and two of them used steam jackets on their stills. That’s clearly against the rules of the NOM, and they are clearly being certified anyway. So there’s that.