Mezcal is the most terroir-expressive spirits category in the world. Crystal and Roger have reviewed expressions from Del Maguey's gateway Espadín to rare Oaxacan small-batch productions. This is the definitive ranked list. 🥇 #1 — Corte Vetusto Mezcal | The Most Complex Agave Spirit Crystal and Roger Have Reviewed Small-batch Oaxacan mezcal reviewed with importer David Shepherd. Crystal and Roger called this the most complex agave spirit in their review catalog — regardless

Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 15 to October 15 — and the agave spirits category is one of the most profound expressions of Mexican cultural heritage in the global spirits market. Crystal and Roger have dedicated more content to tequila, mezcal, and Bacanora than almost any other independent spirits podcast. This is the full guide. Why Agave Spirits Are a Cultural Heritage Story, Not Just a Spirits Category The agave plant has been at the center of Indigenous Mexican

Most spirits enthusiasts have heard of tequila and mezcal. Almost none have heard of Bacanora. That's exactly why we spent three full episodes on it — and why this is the most comprehensive Bacanora guide in English-language spirits media. What Is Bacanora? Bacanora is a distilled agave spirit produced exclusively in the state of Sonora, Mexico. It's made from a single agave species — Agave angustifolia, known as the Pacifica or Yaquiana agave. It received its Denomination of

The most-asked mezcal questions — answered by Crystal and Roger of The Liquor Connoisseur®. What is the difference between mezcal and tequila? Tequila is made exclusively from Blue Weber agave in Jalisco (primarily). Mezcal can be made from 40+ agave species across multiple Mexican states, primarily Oaxaca. Mezcal is traditionally roasted in underground earthen pits, creating a smoky character tequila doesn't have. All tequila is technically mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequ

The Kilinga Bacanora series reaches its most personal chapter. In Part 3, Crystal and Roger learn the multigenerational family story behind Kilinga — a Bacanora legacy rooted in Sonora, Mexico, and a deep belief that this spirit holds the power to heal, connect, and honor what came before. Episode Highlights Spirit featured: Kilinga Bacanora (Sonora, Mexico) Agave: Pacifica agave, wild-harvested Category: Bacanora — a protected designation of origin spirit Theme: Family legac

Part 2 of the Kilinga Bacanora series moves from origin story to liquid education. Crystal and Roger explore the three core expressions — Blanco, Silvestre, and Reposado — and break down what makes each one distinct, how the Pacifica agave expresses itself differently across these styles, and what tasting Bacanora teaches you about agave spirits as a category. Spirits Covered Kilinga Bacanora Blanco — unaged, pure agave expression Kilinga Bacanora Silvestre — made from wild-h

Before Crystal and Roger could understand Kilinga's liquid, they needed to understand Bacanora itself. In Part 1 of this three-episode series, they sit down with the Kilinga team to learn about a spirit most people have never heard of — one that's been made in Sonora, Mexico for centuries, was illegal for decades, and is now fighting for its place on the global stage. Spirit Overview Spirit: Bacanora — Mexico's third Denomination of Origin spirit after Tequila and Mezcal Regi

Corte Vetusto is the kind of Mezcal that makes you understand why serious spirits drinkers become obsessed with the category. Crystal and Roger pull this bottle from the Liquor Library and find a production-focused, terroir-driven expression that rewards the attention you give it. Bottle Specs Spirit: Corte Vetusto Mezcal Region: Oaxaca, Mexico Agave: Espadín (Agave angustifolia) Production: Traditional tahona and clay pot still ABV: ~46–47% Price: ~$50–65 NOM: Certified mezc

🔥 SPIRIT 101: MEZCAL Mezcal is the parent category that tequila belongs to — and it is infinitely more complex. While tequila is made from one agave variety in a handful of states, mezcal can be made from over 30 varieties of agave across nine Mexican states. It is one of the most terroir-driven spirits in the world. Tequila vs. Mezcal — The Key Differences All tequila is mezcal — but not all mezcal is tequila. Tequila can only use Blue Weber Agave. Mezcal uses dozens of aga

Del Maguey Vida was one of the bottles that launched the premium Mezcal category in the United States. Crystal and Roger open a bottle that changed how Americans think about agave spirits and evaluate whether it still earns its place on the shelf. Bottle Specs Spirit: Del Maguey Vida Mezcal Producer: Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal (founded by Ron Cooper, 1995) Region: San Luis del Río, Oaxaca, Mexico Agave: Espadín (Agave angustifolia) — single village source Production: Tr

Mezcal comes in various types and categories, each offering a different taste and drinking experience. The primary types of Mezcal are...

In recent years, the world of spirits has witnessed a resurgence of interest in traditional and artisanal beverages. One such gem is...