Oaxaca, a southern Mexican state known for its rich history and colorful tapestry of indigenous cultures, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the country's unique blend of traditions, flavors, and beverages. As one of the most diverse states in Mexico, Oaxaca is home to over 16 distinct ethnic groups, including the Zapotecs and Mixtecs, who have profoundly influenced the region's cultural landscape. The state's capital, Oaxaca City, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and bustling zócalos (public squares), which all serve as ..read more

Mezcal is a unique and complex spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you're a connoisseur or a newcomer to mezcal, there are several ways to appreciate and savor the distinct flavor and aroma of this traditional Mexican spirit. Here are some of the best ways to drink mezcal: Sipped Neat: One of the best ways to appreciate the unique flavor profile of mezcal is to sip it neat. When drinking mezcal neat, it's important to take small sips and let the spirit linger on your tongue to fully appreciate its complexity. Many people enjoy drinking mezcal with a slice of orange or a ..read more

Mezcal is a unique and flavorful spirit that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Mezcal is made from the heart of the agave plant, which is known as the "piña." Unlike tequila, which is made from the blue agave plant, mezcal can be made from various types of agave plants, and the production process is different. Mezcal has a distinct smoky flavor that is due to the process of roasting the piñas in an underground pit oven before they are mashed, fermented, and distilled. When it comes to the best mezcal, it is important to consider the authenticity of the spirit. Real mezcal is produce ..read more

Mezcal and tequila production in California has been gaining momentum in recent years, as more and more distilleries are popping up throughout the state. The mild climate and abundant supply of agave make California a prime location for mezcal and tequila production, and many of the producers in the state are using traditional techniques to create high-quality spirits. One of the biggest challenges facing mezcal and tequila producers in California is sourcing agave. While the state is home to several varieties of the plant, including the blue agave used to make tequila in Mexico, it can be di ..read more

Celebrities have been known to enter into the alcohol business, endorsing or launching their own brands. While some argue that this trend is positive and adds value to the industry, others believe that celebrities are ruining the alcohol business. On the positive side, celebrity endorsements and brand launches can bring attention to a particular type of alcohol and increase sales. For example, George Clooney's tequila brand, Casamigos, was sold for over a billion dollars after only four years on the market. The endorsement of a celebrity can also attract new customers who may not have tried a ..read more

Denomination of Origin (DO) is a type of geographical indication that identifies products that are unique and have a distinct connection to a particular region or place. Mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave plants in Mexico, has been granted DO protection by the Mexican government since 1994. This means that mezcal produced outside of specific regions in Mexico cannot be labeled as mezcal, just like champagne produced outside of the Champagne region in France cannot be labeled as such. The DO designation for mezcal is granted by the Mexican government's Regulatory Council of ..read more

Tequila and mezcal are two popular distilled spirits that originate from Mexico. They share some similarities in terms of the type of plant used in their production, but there are also some key differences in terms of production methods, flavor profiles, and cultural significance. Tequila is made using the blue agave plant and is primarily produced in the Jalisco state of Mexico. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made using any type of agave plant and is primarily produced in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. The agave plants used in mezcal are typically roasted in underground pits, which gives it ..read more

Fresh juices play a vital role in creating a great cocktail. They add a punch of flavor and freshness that bottled juices just cannot match. When it comes to choosing between two of the most popular citrus fruits for cocktails, lemon, and lime, it can be a tough call. However, there are several factors to consider, which can help determine which is the better fresh juice for cocktails. Firstly, limes have a more delicate and distinct flavor that can easily complement other ingredients. The lime's flavor is slightly sweeter and less acidic than lemons, which makes it ideal for drinks that requ ..read more

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) is one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world. Founded in 2000, the competition is held annually in San Francisco, California, and attracts hundreds of entries from around the world. The competition is judged by a panel of industry experts, including master distillers, spirits educators, and journalists. Each year, the SFWSC awards medals in a variety of categories, including whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and mezcal. Spirits are judged based on a variety of criteria, including appearance, aroma, flavor, and finish. Me ..read more