Agave Road Trip provides gringo bartenders with firsthand knowledge about heritage agave spirits from Mexico, including mezcal, raicilla, bacanora, and destilado de agave.
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Talking about Agave & Cactus from farms to products. I will cover using permaculture practices on farms for the new industry of California Agave & Cactus, such as the use of animals & biomimicry. California Agave today is mainly being used for spirits, and cactus fruit is mainly being used for consumption or wine. I farm both agave & cactus in Hi Vista & Lancaster, which are cities in Northeast Los Angeles County, & in the Western Mojave Desert. I will talk about my experiences, observations ...
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We talk with guests about Agave, Mezcal and Agave Spirits production, distribution, sustainability, culture, and more.
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Agaveculture. The Agave and sotol lessons and Mexican gastronomy. A+ work © Ana G. Valenzuela-Zapata
Ana G. Valenzuela Zapata
Explore the captivating world of Dr. Ana Guadalupe Valenzuela Zapata, a Mexican expert in agave plants. Her tequila research journey began in 1985, leaving a lasting impact on distilleries like Herradura and Sauza until 1992. As a professor at the University of Guadalajara (1992-2012), she earned recognition for her academic contributions. Dr. Valenzuela Zapata, a key figure in iconic brands like Del Maguey Mezcal, now focuses on digital content creation, fostering scientific communication i ...
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The CRT is no longer the sole certifier for Tequila
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27:13If you want to listen to that October 2023 episode with Khrys Maxwell, it’s “The CRT loses their Tequila monopoly.” You might also want to check out this episode: “The Birth and Death of the CRM,” in which MIA Chava and I discuss the end of the CRM’s monopoly on Mezcal certification.Bởi Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan\
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Interview from Amigas y Mezcal, Episode 25
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1:17:27Here is a talk i did with the ladies from Amigas y Mezcal. They were kind enough to invite me on their show and i was more then willing. They had excellent questions and I wanted to put this in audio form because it had alot of great information. It was a great episode, give it a listen. If you want to skip to that podcast, skip to 13:50. Have a go…
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Check out Riker’s project, MadAgave, on the Web, on Instagram, and on Facebook — and consider making a financial gift. It will help support this important project and also help mitigate the damage done by the recent cyclone that hit the community. In the episode cover, that’s head distiller Fomesoa, and the other crew members are Samba, Tsimireke, …
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Marissa is also a board member of Tequila That Cares, a philanthropic organization bringing positive change to the agave spirits industry! If you missed World Poetry Day, it’s not too late to celebrate. Click here for the archived celebration with Agave Road Trip Poet Laureate Larry Beckett and August Gladstone! Some numbers I culled from the DISCU…
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How do you differentiate different Tequilas?
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25:14Shout outs this episode to Cambio Tequila and Puesto! And Howard Gardner’s “Theory of Multiple Intelligences”!Bởi Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan, John Des Rosiers, Beau du Bois
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That one hit is from Australian Traveller: “30 of the best bars in Sydney right now.”Bởi Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan
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Puntas: Drop-dead delicious or just drop dead?
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25:32This episode was inspired by a post that Mexican distiller Tomas Nava made in the Facebook group Mezcal Society. His post was inspired by the entry for “foreshots” at SpiritsBeacon.com. The response from Tom Bartram of Speciality Brands gave me the excuse to reconnect with Tom! Bonus! Tom’s puntas-filled annecdote!…
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Tequiladies #109 - Talking California Agave Spirits with the tequiladies
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1:26:34Skip to 2:05, thats when they connnect & i am on shortly after. This is a IG live for the Tequiladies show, in which I talked California Agave & California Agave Spirits with the Tequiladies. Follow them on Instagram & Youtube. We discuss some of my background, Agave, Tequila and much more. I hope you enjoy this talk, have a great day.…
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Mezcal Chat - Adrian/Planet Mezcal & me talk on IG Live
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1:16:40Skip to 6:30 to get past our technical difficulties at the begining with me trying to connect. In this talk we discuss the California agave Industry & agave spirits being made in CA. We go over farming techniques, the liquor industry & much more. It was done last year, but thought it would still be helpful. If you want to see the live video, follow…
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Check out 30A Distilling Co. when you’re in Florida!Bởi Lou Bank, Brian Rabon
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Farming agave while respecting the environment, people & tradition
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1:18:04Today I talk about an article I read called “Mezcal must challenge irresponsible agave farming”. It was a very interesting article talking about how we can make sure to grow agave in a sustainable fashion, that benefits environment, people and tradition. I hope you learned something in today’s podcast as a lot of the points that the main character …
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Brazilian farmers use Agave for biofuels & slowing the expansion of deserts
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1:24:05Today, i talk about Brazilian Agave. The farmers & researchers are very innovative in Brazil & are using alot of advances in agriculture to explore & utilize the agave plant for a variety of uses, such as: bioenergy, biofuels, biomethane, biohydrogen, biochar & even slowing the deserts expansion. I think there is alot of positives in what they are …
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Cactus Biofuels Part 1 - How Indian Cactus Farmers are creating bio methane from cactus
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1:29:09This is the 1st half to an almost 3 hour long podcast on this very interesting topic of cactus biofuels. opinions and thoughts on this cactus farming that is going on in India. I show how we in California and Mexico can learn from India and apply what they are learning and producing to everywhere. I also give thoughts on how to improve not only Ind…
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Cactus Biofuels Part 2 - How Indian Cactus Farmers are creating bio methane from cactus
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1:15:45This is the 2nd half to an almost 3 hour long podcast on this very interesting topic of cactus biofuels. opinions and thoughts on this cactus farming that is going on in India. I show how we in California and Mexico can learn from India and apply what they are learning and producing to everywhere. I also give thoughts on how to improve not only Ind…
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Talking Agave cultivation, culture, genetics, farming practice, with Agaves de Occidente
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1:59:37Today we talking with my good friend Agaves De Occidente. He is cultivating all types of agaves in Jalisco, Mexico. common, and rare species alike. We talk about the current agave industry in Mexico and USA and how we are trying to promote the use of not only a diverse array of agaves, but also cacti, trees and shrubs, and preferably the native pla…
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First and foremost, when claims are made about expenses by USAID or any federal agency of the US government, you can research for yourself at usaspending.gov. This is a great tool that is as close to absolute transparency in government as the USA has ever had. In the (literal) days since I recorded this episode (February 17, 2025), President Trump …
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Why Australia should farm cactus, not be at war with it
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1:27:58Today I focus’s an article I read about how the Australian government and farmers are combating cacti. this is an issue they have dealt with in 3 different centuries and I discuss how I believe they are approaching the problem from the wrong angle. cactus has the potential to be a giant cash crop in Australia but they choose to wage a loosing war p…
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Cactus farming in Namibia & Cactus farm carbon credits
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1:27:00Today, we are talking about Cactus farming in Namibia. I talk about how this almost 2 billion dollar mega investment into cactus farming in namibia can be done correctly, protecting the environment and being profitable. The goal of this huge project is to sell carbon credits linked to cacti sequestrating carbon. While a very interesting proposition…
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Shout out this episode to Steve Catbagan, Denver, and its groovy agave scene; Arik Torren and his Lot 001 Brands, and fog nets. And of Cambio Tequila!Bởi Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan, John Des Rosiers
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Agave & Cactus Talk podcast : Nativotexas start at 1:35, thats when we are golden. Great talk with my friend Chris about Agave. We chatted about lots of things we are facing with regards to managing agave and running an agave farm/buisness. We provided lots of education for any agave farmer to learn more about agave and thats one of the goals of th…
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What do we call them when they’re not all agave spirits?
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18:46Shout out this episode to Quiote Mezcaleria! And when in Chicago go visit the desert house at the Chicago Botanic Garden. It’s as close to Mexico as anything 1,800 miles north of Mexico!Bởi Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan, Hector Ortiz
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The previous episode that inspired this episode is “The secret origin of Tequila Oro.” Shout out this episode to Jason Cox at 5 Sentidos! Shout out to Tequila Cascahuin! Maybe dibs in Chicago actually was documented…? Click here!Bởi Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan
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Tunisian cactus farmers are losing the battle to cochineal
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1:14:15Today, i talk about cactus farming in Tunisia. I mention some of the problems they are encountering and some lessons that California and global Cactus can learn from this particular problem. As more farmers around the world begin to plant cactus, they should learn from case studies in tunisia, mexico, and brazil. Much like in agave, Africa is a lar…
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That incredible beer-not-beer was made by tlachiquero Marco Antonio of pulqueria El rincon de Mayahuel in San Felipe, Guanajuato. I was introduced to Marco by Malena Villasuso and Juan Pedro Valdes of Mezcal Villasuso. This episode was recorded outdoors at Bárbaro Asador de Campo, an amazing table-in-farm restaurant in Queretaro, where we stopped t…
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Loosing Agave genetics, diversification of where agave genetics is located
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29:00This episode is me talking about what lessons i believe can be learned from my loss of agave genetics in the Eaton fire in Altadena, CA. What lessons may be applied to you and the larger goal of preserving agave genetics.Bởi steve sanchez
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Different trees I plant with Agave & Cactus ; Agroforestry/Silviculture
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1:34:38Talking about different trees I plant with my agave and cactus, why I am planting them and what uses I have for them or what direction I’m exploring with them. Trees and agave can coexist well for added value and profitability and this small list is just a primer. Use it to see what useful trees you can use in your agave and cactus fields. **Reuplo…
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This episode was inspired by a bottle by Victor Ramos, sourced from his tasting room in Miahuatlan, Oaxaca, labeled “Mensoncle de Arroqueno.” It’s the first time I’ve seen that spelling, but it refers to the heart of the agave — like mezontle. mesonte, and Mezonte. (Hi, Pedro!)Bởi Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan
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Making Mezcal from the flowering agave
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16:06Shout outs this episode to Oaxacan speakeasy Hembra, Marco Ochoa of Mezcouting, Sylvia Philion of Mezcaloteca, and Enrique Martinez of Metsal!Bởi Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan, Natalia Sanchez Bustamante
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Check out the diverse selection of Mexican spirits being imported by Lot001 Brands! They have Mi Casa Tequila, Parejo (which offers Sotol and Lechugilla expressions), Rancho Tepúa (which offers Bacanora, Lechuguilla, and Palmilla expressions), Whiskey Maíz Nation, and Pelacañas Rum!Bởi Lou Bank, Arik Torren
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what happens when the Agave & Tequila supply is greater then demand?
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58:02Today i talked about a very interesting article i read talking about tequila overproduction and the drop in sales. It was called "Mexico left with 500 mn liter tequila lake after demand slows" coming out of the financial times and written by Madeleine Speed and Christine Murray. I talk about opinions, implications and observations of the tequila in…
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Some agave syrups can fight cancer & make you healthier
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27:33Today I talk about a very interesting article titled : The agave beverage with antioxidant properties backed by Tex Researchers, published by the tecscience news arm of the universidad tecnológico de Monterey. I wanted to highlight this amazing article and talk a little about why more people should be researching and crafting agave syrup of many di…
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Should we limit the limited-release Mezcals?
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24:45Shout outs this episode to Mezonte, Off Premise: Wine, Agave, Whiskey & Craft Beer, and Alambique Serrano Single-Origin Oaxacan Rum!Bởi Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan
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Cactus farming in Brazil to reverse the loss of an ecosystem
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45:33Today i talk about Brazil and how Indigenous brazilians are using native brazilian cactus, such as mandacaru, to combat the loss of the dry forrest ecosystem. I also talk about cactus farming in brazil in general. Brazil is one of the most influential countries in cactus research and farming, so i found it fun to talk about them on the podcast.…
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Today we are talking about cactus farming in Italy and my recommendation for the country. I hope to see a diverse cactus polyculture, not a copycat of the world problems with a opuntia ficus indica monoculture. Lessons Italy must learn and implications of Italy succeeding for Europe.Bởi steve sanchez
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10 problem with agave farming and how/why California should avoid these issues
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1:30:48Top 10 list of my biggest issues with agave farming in Mexico and around the world. This podcast is so that new agave farmers globally do not make the same mistakes and they learn to avoid them. As many countries start and expand the cultivation of agave we want them to take inspiration from the ecologically sound farms that are biodiverse and care…
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Today I go into 5 cold hardy agaves that may be planted around the United States, as they are super cold hardy(-22F-10F) and can take snow, wind, high elevation and drought. They are Agave Utahensis, Agave Parryi, Agave Montana, Agave Chrysantha & Agave Havardiana. I give some info on their potential for use in the USA and why I love them.…
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Why is Espadin the only Angustifolia in Oaxaca?
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15:49Mezcal geeks love to run down all the varieties of Agave Karwinskii they can name. And when we talk about Agave Americana, we talk about Arroqueno and Coyote and Sierra Negra. But the most prolific of agaves in Oaxaca is easily Angustifolia, represented exclusively by Espadin. But that’s not the sole variety of the species – at least, outside of Oa…
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In addition to our quoted friends at Cambio Tequila and Tequila Torrente, we also mention this episode Felipe Camarena of G4 Tequila and Greg Rutkowski of Finca 18 and 30 Topes Mixto de Agave, and Chava Periban of the podcast “Heritage Mezcal.” And Steve Dahl. And Dark Matter Coffee’s Star Lounge. To learn more about the fascinating agricultural pr…
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Talking Agave & Tequila with el tequilero 90
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2:27:16Agave & Cactus Talk # 7 - Chatting about agave and tequila with my friend. We go into Agave and Mexican culture, CA Agave spirits, global agave, agave business and how farmers/distillers can succeed, how we can help small brands, and even a little about nopales and cactus farming. Very interesting questions and conversation. You dont want to miss i…
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Should the CRT allow Agave Tequiliana cultivars & hybrids into the Tequila Norma?
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32:08Agave Tequiliana aka Agave Angustifolia subs Tequiliana is the only species allowed in the production of tequila. In todays episode, i go over why this is a major issue for the future of tequila production and some ways that the CRT can maintain tradition but adapt to a changing world. Tequila needs genetic diversity, or it will have a hard time st…
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The day celebrating the people who work at bars
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19:27National Bartenders Day is the first Friday of December. That’s December 6 in 2024! Listen to Bridget’s podcast, “Served Up,” here! To listen to the episode I was on, click here. Healthy Pour is a boutique coaching and consulting firm dedicated to transforming the global landscape of work. Founder Laura Louise Green has deep roots in the hospitalit…
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Another way to bring the desert to your bar
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29:11If you’re in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca, go drink pulque at Reina Cortes Cortes’s A&V La Casa del Pulque. Drink the pulque — all the pulque — but also check out Quiote de Maguey Escabeche from Mujeres 5 Estrellas! Check out Lyanne’s article that inspired this episode: “Meet the Cactus Powering a New Generation of Latino-Owned Businesses,” Inc., Sept…
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Agave genetics: How many fricken agave are there!?
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53:48Today I talk about the diversity the agave family by just trying to answer 1 question. How many agaves are there? This is not an easy question, but I think I did an ok job 😂 Hopefully me talking about so many different agave possibilities has you thinking of what you can do to improve agave genetics on your farm, nursery, or collection. Enjoy! Thos…
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A different approach to additive-free Tequila
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20:51If you’re not already all over the Tequila Matchmaker app, you should be. Scarlet and Grover have built an amazing resource for anyone interested at any level in Tequila. They started the Additive-Free Alliance, a coalition of Tequila brands, retailers, consumers, and producers of other agave-based products who are dedicated to processes that do no…
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Why i have been collecting and propagating Echinocactus Polycephalus seeds - one of my favorite cacti
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48:36In this podcast I go over why cotton top cactus (echinocactus polycephalus) is an amazing cactus, why it should be propagated on a massive scale, and some of the threats it is facing. I also talk about how I disagree with the IUCN’s classification of it as least concern and share some ways to help this cactus sustain its wild populations.…
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The physical cost of pre-industrial Mezcal
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26:10Shout out to Lalo Angeles of Lalocura for his insights about the damage done to the palenqueros who mill agave by hand. Shout out to Jake Lustig of Mina Real and Mezcal Don Amado for his efforts to reduce smoke in the lives of the people from whom he sources his spirits. Shout out to Neta for supporting the healthcare of mezcalero Celso Garcia. Sho…
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How can cactus farming make your ranch more profitable?
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55:49Today i talk about some of the species of cactus i grow, how cactus farming can make your ranch more profitable, & a few of the uses i have for cactus. I wanted this episode to be a primer for cactus farming and animals, but in no way is this everything. My next cactus podcast will likely be on why California vineyards should switch over to cactus,…
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Agave Shawii is in peril; How & Why should the CA Agave industry save it
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24:33In this episode i talk about Agave Shawii and the perilous state it is in. I also talk about why i believe the CA agave industry should step up to save it and how they can do so before its too late. I share my personal goal with agave shawii as well.Bởi steve sanchez
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Can culture and commerce coexist in a bottle?
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28:09Want easier access to beautiful spirits? Add your signature to ShipMySpirits.org! Live in Illinois and want easier access to beautiful spirits? Send a letter to Deputy Governor Andy Manar! Read the article that inspired this episode: “U.S. Craft Distilleries Are in Crisis,” Food & Wine, July 31, 2024 That quote from Peter Holland, rum expert and Fo…
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What happens when they stop calling it Tequila?
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32:48Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Marissa Paragano of The Tequiladies. Note that this episode was recorded on September 25, 2024 -- before some of the latest developments regardi…
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