Divided Spirits
By Sarah Bowen
Divided Spirits tells the stories of tequila and mezcal, two of Mexico’s most iconic products. In doing so, the book illustrates how neoliberalism influences the production, branding, and regulation of local foods and drinks. It also challenges the strategy of relying on “alternative” markets to protect food cultures and rural livelihoods. Divided Spirits suggests that we must move beyond market-based models if we want to safeguard local products and the people who make them. Instead, we need systems of production, consumption, and oversight that are more democratic, more inclusive, and more participatory. Lasting change is unlikely without the involvement of the state and a sustained commitment to addressing inequality and supporting rural development.
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Understanding Mezcal
By James Schroeder
Understanding Mezcal is a life’s work by renowned agave expert James Schroeder that, for the first time in print, puts all the pieces of the mezcal puzzle in one place. The groundbreaking book aims to serve as an encyclopedia of the mezcal world, examining the spirit from every angle including tradition, science, economics, and biology. The snappy book, which Chef Rick Bayless calls a “must”, will put readers in the head of Schroeder as he dives deep into the world of the spirit while delivering reams of information in a light and humorous tone. Sections include: Mezcal as a Term, Agave, Agave & Humans, Making Mezcal, Distillation, Agave Types, Economic Realities, On Tradition, The State of Tequila, and The Future. Understanding Mezcal is work that will set the bar for spirits writing moving forward. Much of the book, which features more than 70 hand-drawn illustrations by Mexico City-based illustrator Polly Jiménez, contains source material that has never before been published on the topic.
Mezcal Un Espirituoso Artesanal de Clase Mundial (Spanish)
By Domingo García
This book presents the true history of mezcal. Mezcal, Un Espirituoso Artesanal de Clase Mundial offers a unique look at the national drink of Mexicans. Reading it allows you to discover everything you wanted to know about mezcal. Written bluntly, with surgical precision, forcefulness, as well as with a pleasant and accessible style for all. Placing mezcal in its historical context, the author demystifies some preconceived ideas about the spirit in vogue in the main cities of Mexico, Europe, and the United States. The book offers the opportunity to learn about some of the most basic aspects of Mexico’s most emblematic distillate. Reading it also allows you to understand the reasons for its success in Mexico and in the world market. This is the reference book for the hospitality sector and a must-read for anyone interested in what the author describes as the “quintessence of Mexican culture.”
This book is available through La Fiera Mezcal
Mezcal + Tequila Cocktails
By Robert Simonson
From riffs on classics such as the Mezcal Mule and Oaxaca Old-Fashioned to new favorites such as Naked and Famous or Smoke and Ice, discover how to use mezcal and tequila to create cocktails in nearly every classic cocktail formula—from flip to sour to highball—that highlight the smoky, edgy flavors of these unique and popular spirits.
Robert Simonson, the author of The Old-Fashioned and The Martini Cocktail, covers a broad range of flavors with doable, delicious recipes that are easy to assemble, most only requiring three or four ingredients. This comprehensive, straightforward guide is perfect for tequila and mezcal enthusiasts looking for creative ways to enjoy agave spirits more often and in more varied ways—or for anyone who just likes to drink the stuff.
Looking for more than a good read?
Take your learning about Mezcal and agave spirits further with the Agave Spirits Institute certification program.
The program is designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike. ASI teaches courses with supporting materials both theoretical and practical to help understand the process that starts with a wild Agave and ends in a finished distillate product.
The mission is to disseminate and share the latest information and facts regarding Agave spirits, reaching all corners of the world, and in special need of professional ambassadors to represent them properly.
ASI’s study program is divided into four levels; upon completion of all four levels, students earn their certification as Masters in Agave Spirits. A fifth level is available for those interested in becoming pundits on the topic, and therefore, certified to impart lessons on subjects like Agave Spirits.
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“IT’S ALL MEZCAL” – A Deep Dive into a Mexican Tradition
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Tasting Mezcal Like a Pro: A General Guide
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ESPANITA ARTISANAL TEQUILA INTRODUCES DOUBLE BARREL ANEJO TEQUILA
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Mezcal Amarás Logia Horno: Taking Luxury, Collectible Mezcal to a New Level