Best Maguey Podcasts (2025)

1
Blind tastings, decision-making, prejudices, spirits awards, and 818 Tequila 21:57

5d ago21:57

21:57

I thought this episode was going to be about blind tastings. And it is. Or, at least, it starts that way. But when you’re talking with Marissa, aka @tequilaencyclopedia , you rarely take as straight a path as you’d expect. So if you want to listen to a conversation about that … or about CostCo … or about the Agavos Awards … or how much I paid Maris…

1
Chuck Cowdery drinks Mexican whiskey 47:42

12d ago47:42

47:42

Chuck Cowdery was called “the dean of American whiskey journalism” by no less than Robert Simonson in the New York Times. So when I decided more than 250 episodes into this podcast to finally devote one to Mexican whiskey, I naturally invited my celebrated drinking buddy over. It’s (perhaps) the corniest episode of Agave Road Trip! Agave Road Trip …

1
Are Mezcal geeks ruining Mezcal? Part 2 21:11

19d ago21:11

21:11

Last episode we contrasted the good done through the consumption of heritage agave spirits with the damage caused by same. This episode, we talk about the damage done by the casual consumption of agave spirits. And coffee. And chocolate. And … well, everything. It’s a casual-destruction episode of Agave Road Trip! Agave Road Trip is a critically ac…

1
Are Mezcal geeks ruining Mezcal? Part 1 28:06

26d ago28:06

28:06

It’s amazing and moving to see mezcalerxs whose lives have clearly improved as a result of the growing interest in agave spirits. But there’s another side to that story – or, really, multiple other sides to it: some good, some bad, and some … well, the jury is still out on those. We talk about those various stories in this episode of Agave Road Tri…

1
Some agave can't be farmed 20:38

1M ago20:38

20:38

When I first started drinking Mezcal, I was told that there were some agaves that couldn’t be farmed — that could only grow wild. And I still here that narrative some two decades later. And it still doesn’t make sense to me. So I did the only logical thing: I asked a farmer. Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that help…

1
Gringx bartenders can save biodiversity 23:00

1M ago23:00

23:00

In my consumer-focused tastings, I tell attendees that one of the big things I hope they walk away with is, they can lead a more delicious life and support a more sustainable ecosystem if they start drinking more than just Blue Weber processed in Jalisco and Espadin processed in Oaxaca – that’s literally 99% of what they drink now, and if they inst…

1
Corn as cultural heritage 28:09

2M ago28:09

28:09

Mexico has been purchasing about $3 billion of corn annually from farmers in the USA, the vast majority of that corn having been grown from genetically modified seeds. The Mexican government announced in 2020 that it would, in 2025, ban that GMO corn from the country, which was found to be in violation of the USMCA agreement of 2018. So now, the Me…

1
The CRT is no longer the sole certifier for Tequila 27:13

2M ago27:13

27:13

If 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.By Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan\

1
Maguey and Madagascar 43:19

2M ago43:19

43:19

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, …

1
You pay more for Tequila 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

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…

1
How do you differentiate different Tequilas? 25:14

3M ago25:14

25:14

Shout outs this episode to Cambio Tequila and Puesto! And Howard Gardner’s “Theory of Multiple Intelligences”!By Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan, John Des Rosiers, Beau du Bois

1
Is Mezcal's moment over? 29:22

3M ago29:22

29:22

That one hit is from Australian Traveller: “30 of the best bars in Sydney right now.”By Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan

1
Puntas: Drop-dead delicious or just drop dead? 25:32

3M ago25:32

25:32

This 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!…

1
An American Distiller in Mexico 22:27

3M ago22:27

22:27

Check out 30A Distilling Co. when you’re in Florida!By Lou Bank, Brian Rabon

1
A Tale of Two USAIDs 25:42

3M ago25:42

25:42

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 …

1
The devils in the angel share 18:39

4M ago18:39

18:39

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!By Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan, John Des Rosiers

1
What do we call them when they’re not all agave spirits? 18:46

4M ago18:46

18:46

Shout 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!By Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan, Hector Ortiz

1
What’s the deal with Rusty Mezcal? 19:34

4M ago19:34

19:34

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!By Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan

1
Making old ale from agave syrup! 16:44

4M ago16:44

16:44

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…

1
The Secret Origin of Tequila Oro 17:32

5M ago17:32

17:32

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!)By Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan

1
Making Mezcal from the flowering agave 16:06

5M ago16:06

16:06

Shout outs this episode to Oaxacan speakeasy Hembra, Marco Ochoa of Mezcouting, Sylvia Philion of Mezcaloteca, and Enrique Martinez of Metsal!By Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan, Natalia Sanchez Bustamante

1
The ominous threat of Mezcal tariffs 19:21

5M ago19:21

19:21

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!By Lou Bank, Arik Torren

1
Should we limit the limited-release Mezcals? 24:45

5M ago24:45

24:45

Shout outs this episode to Mezonte, Off Premise: Wine, Agave, Whiskey & Craft Beer, and Alambique Serrano Single-Origin Oaxacan Rum!By Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan

1
Why is Espadin the only Angustifolia in Oaxaca? 15:49

6M ago15:49

15:49

Mezcal 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…

1
The 400 decisions of Tequila 37:21

6M ago37:21

37:21

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…

1
The day celebrating the people who work at bars 19:27

6M ago19:27

19:27

National 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…

1
Another way to bring the desert to your bar 29:11

6M ago29:11

29:11

If 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…

1
A different approach to additive-free Tequila 20:51

6M ago20:51

20:51

If 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…

1
The physical cost of pre-industrial Mezcal 26:10

7M ago26:10

26:10

Shout 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…

1
Can culture and commerce coexist in a bottle? 28:09

7M ago28:09

28:09

Want 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…

1
What happens when they stop calling it Tequila? 32:48

7M ago32:48

32:48

Agave 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…

1
When did “smooth” become a dirty word? 27:19

7M ago27:19

27:19

Dig whiskey? Dig the blog of the mighty Chuck Cowdery! Want to know more about Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol? Click here!By Lou Bank, Linda Sullivan, Francisco Prieto, Chuck Cowdery

1
The argument for pairing chocolate with Mezcal 32:00

8M ago32:00

32:00

Thanks to road-tripper Shain Bela Lugosi in San Diego for pointing me to Oslo Sardine Bar! Caputo’s offers the most amazing mail-order selection of chocolate! Read Rowan Jacobsen’s Wild Chocolate book, on sale now! When in Chicago, drop into Dark Matter’s Sleep Walk Chocolateria!By Rowan Jacobsen

1
Is Mezcal More Authentic Than Tequila? 27:31

8M ago27:31

27:31

People in the Tequila chat groups get pretty outraged by things like diffusers and additives, and the basis for their outrage tends to be that these things aren’t traditional. But if it’s tradition they’re looking for, why aren’t they drinking Mezcal? Isn’t that more traditional than Tequila? And what exactly is tradition? It’s the most authentic e…

1
There Is No Traditional Mezcal in the Marketplace 47:42

8M ago47:42

47:42

In the comments section of the Agave Road Trip Instagram page, Craig Reynolds — founder of the California Agave Council — wrote, “Unfortunately, there is virtually no significant amount of truly traditionally produced Mezcal left in the marketplace. It’s not environmentally or economically sustainable. An unfortunate fact that is difficult to accep…

1
The World’s Most Environmentally Sustainable Mezcal Brand 33:36

8M ago33:36

33:36

This Mezcal brand replants agave in the wild, uses solar power, and only cooks with certified wood. They convert their bagaso into biodegradable planters. They are a model of best practices in the industry. And they just left the market because no one supported them. We question what you really care about in this episode of Agave Road Trip! Agave R…

1
The Argument for Pairing Tinned Fish With Mezcal 26:58

9M ago26:58

26:58

Gone are the days when jars of pickled eggs and pigs feet lined the back of a bar. But a bit of food in your stomach can sure help when you’re out drinking. So what should the new bar snacks be? And how can they enhance your drinks menu? Sustainable-seafood expert Barton Seaver makes the case for canned fish. We go fishing for a new bar-snack direc…

1
The Most Important Tequila of the Century 25:17

9M ago25:17

25:17

Once a century, Agave Road Trip goes out looking for the most important Tequila of that era. Now, there are still a solid 75 years let in this century, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say, this early in the game, I’ve identified that Tequila. And the winner is… Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx…

1
Does the Tequila in Your Margarita Matter? 27:42

9M ago27:42

27:42

I saw a number of posts online suggesting that, if you’re making a Margarita, it doesn’t matter what Tequila you use – it pretty much tastes the same. Linda and I decided to put that to the test with a jury of nine tasters. What’s the verdict? To find out you’ll have to listen to this episode of Agave Road Trip! Agave Road Trip is a critically accl…

1
The Politics of Mezcal 41:09

9M ago41:09

41:09

Not everybody who drinks Mezcal is politically liberal. Not everyone carrying a copita in their pocket is a Democrat. Not all of the folks traveling to rural Mexico lean left. In fact, probably most of the mezcalerxs themselves tend to be more conservative. In this politically hot season, it’s maybe a good idea to consider that the person across th…

1
Did Salsa Change Gringos or Did Gringos Change Salsa? 24:51

10M ago24:51

24:51

A recent article in the New York Times suggested, "As more foreigners, especially Americans, visit or move to Mexico City, some taco shops have lowered the heat in their sauces. Not everyone is happy.” That makes me think about how foreign consumption of Tequila and Mezcal have also influenced the flavors — and the recipes — of those other landmark…

1
De-caf, Non-fat Tequila 19:04

10M ago19:04

19:04

Eric Kozlik of Modern Bar Cart shared with me an email exchange he’d had with a PR agency, where their selling point for a new Bourbon was that it was made using a "proprietary heirloom corn.” That made me think about Tequilas that are labeled “gluten-free.” Which made Eric think of “non-GMO.” Which made me think about the difference between “still…

1
Mezcal Is Smoky Tequila 17:23

10M ago17:23

17:23

Mezcal geeks and agave nerds get hot under the collar when someone suggests that Mezcal is smoky Tequila. But … isn’t it? It’s a fire-starter episode of Agave Road Trip! Agave 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 Lo…

1
Uncertified Mezcal Can Kill You 28:02

10M ago28:02

28:02

It’s true: An uncertified agave spirit can kill you. But so can a certified Mezcal. Or a certified Tequila. So … what exactly is the point of certification? I had this … conversation? debate? battle? … with Sergio Garnier of Mezcal Ultramundo in another episode in March of this year. He felt like he had more to say and I feel like I could talk abou…

1
Mezcal Flights or Mezcal Cocktails? 36:36

10M ago36:36

36:36

No question but that most people in the USA are introduced to Mezcal through cocktails. But most bartenders I know — most people I know, in fact — prefer drinking Mezcal neat. Drinking spirits neat, however, can be intimidating to that cocktail drinker. So what’s the gateway? We talk Mezcal flights in this 30,000-foot episode of Agave Road Trip! Ag…

1
Tequila Cristalino: Threat or Menace? 26:21

11M ago26:21

26:21

You can’t log onto a Facebook Tequila group without seeing Cristalino Tequila derided, abused, and generally treated as some kind of punch line. But … do those user groups reflect the average consumer? Does the average consumer matter as much as the more highly engaged consumers that populate these online groups? And does consumption itself matter …

1
Beverage Testing Institute Does Not Say Mezcal Is the Purest Distilled Alcohol 24:37

11M ago24:37

24:37

“According to the Beverage Testing Institute of Chicago in Illinois, mezcal is the purest distillate or alcohol that exists on the planet and the noblest with the human body.” Or, at least, that’s the oft-repeated quote that comes up every several months and drives the folks at the Beverage Testing Institute crazy. So I’ve invited Andrew Moldenhaue…

1
Horse Piss, Arm Pits, and Other Mezcal Additives 26:42

11M ago26:42

26:42

I like to talk about the 400 decisions that a mezcalerx makes that determines how an agave spirit tastes. But there are other elements beyond their decisions … natural elements that find their way into the process … that also have an impact on what goes into the bottle. We’re taking shots in this episode of Agave Road Trip! Agave Road Trip is a cri…

1
When Did Tequila Stop Being Fun? 22:19

11M ago22:19

22:19

It’s all in the eye of the beholder, I know. But when I think about what Tequila was back in the ‘80s and ‘90s … it was a catalyst for fun. I had a coworker who thought “tequila” was Spanish for “dancing on tables.” And I still see that, though mainly in Mexico. Here in the USA, it’s become so serious. Or maybe I just don’t go to the right places o…

1
Yes, There Can Be Additives in Mezcal 23:46

12M ago23:46

23:46

In the past several weeks, I have seen in numerous online forums the misstatement that Mezcal can’t have additives. And the misstatement that those additives can only be fresh fruits and raw turkey. So this episode is 100% just so I can post a simple link the next time I see that error pop up again. And it’s an opportunity to clarify the allowance …

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