When people talk about mezcal and related agave spirits, they'll often lump in sotol. But it's not made from agave. But it is made in Mexico. But it's also now being made in Texas. And that's causing some waves. Is Texas messing with sotol? We skip through that minefield 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, including sotol? Click here!

What’s that you say? No tradition of using the word “sotol” in Texas? Check out Vegetation of the Sotol Country in Texas, issue 6, from 1905.