agave

This episode covers sexual and asexual reproduction in agave plants. We explain the anatomy of its inflorescence, pollination and genetic clones.

We cover the growth mechanism of agave plants including CAM photosynthesis and we discuss various morphologies of the leaves and spines.

The first episode of our three part miniseries covers agave taxonomy and nomenclature.

Lorena Terán Ibarra is the director of Copita Project for El Buho Mezcal where she leads the regenerative agriculture and educational programs. 

Initiated by the founders of El Buho, the Copita Project seeks to replenish and preserve the balance of the natural environment while planting cultivated and semi-cultivated agaves. 

Félix Hernandez Monterroza and his wife Adriana Correa are the co-founders of Agua del Sol. Fred Sanchez is the founder and managing partner of Bad Hombre Importing. We learn why they are committed to providing affordable traditional spirits to their communities and the important roles the maestr@s play within them.

We talk to Asis Cortés about the history of mezcal in Matatlan and his newest project, Mezcal Dixeebe.

Rion Toal joins us to discuss Maestros del Mezcal, promoting traditional mezcal, and agaves of Oaxaca.

Niki is a co-founder of Neta Spirits, Leo reps PM Spirits who import Neta. We talk agaves, Miahuatlán, tequio, and distillation.

Scott Rosenbaum of T. Edward Wine and Spirits joins us to discuss building a spirits portfolio, terroir, and the agave spirits market.

*Links to resources we discussed (updated regularly)

We check in with Ferron to discuss how the agave spirits community is responding to COVID 19, Mezcalistas' new virtual programming, and her recent trip to Michoacan.

A two-part series featuring Elisandro Gonzalez Molina of Tosba Mezcal. We learn the origin story of Tosba, from growing up in a small mountain village to having a full production palenque with a robust cultivation and reforestation program.

Jason Paul Cox, owner of Cinco Sentidos joins us to discuss thebrands' origin, the new Mixteca collection and his latest project, an agricole-style rum.

Dalton Kreiss & Hanna Woodside of Maguey Melate share their story. We talk about their agave spirits subscription club and why highlighting the producer is as important as the spirit.

Tess tells us about her recent trip to Michoacán. We talk Cupreata Agaves, production styles and particular traditions that surround the spirit.

German discusses his mezcal brand, Lágrimas de Dolores. We talk Durango, Cenizo agaves and production process.

Ferron introduces us to some of the women mezcal producers she interviewed in Oaxaca and Durango.

Mariah and Alex discuss Banhez mezcal, the co-op model, their signature blend, bats and so much more!

Jay Schroeder discusses his new book, Understanding Mezcal.

Noah talks about his love of Espadins, the flavor profiles of different agaves and gives us an insiders view on curating a mezcal menu.

Rio is the producer and owner of Estancia Raicilla. We discuss agave species, production, distribution and the upcoming NOM debate.

Chema gives us his perspective on educating guests from behind the bar. We talk agave farming, Filipino Stills and Panorama Mezcal.

Justin explains his philosophy around building an agave spirits portfolio, consumer responsibility, Mezcal Tosba, and La Medida Mezcal.

Tess Rose Lampert talks about her recent trip to Durango. We learn about the Cenizo agave, and she introduces us to Fabiola Avila, the Vinatera for Lagrimas de Dolores.

In this episode Dave Lather discusses agave plants, their many uses, and their significance in pre-colonial Mexico, aguamiel, pulque and so much more!

Tess talks to us about her experience in the mezcal world and what to expect if you go to one of her classes. She explains the etymology of the word mezcal and we discuss terroir. Hey Hey Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC.