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Organizing an event after a six month break, especially in the midst of a pandemic, is not like riding a bike again. Learning - and then complying with - all the city, county, and state regulations for outdoor dining requires

Details Location: La Estancia de Landeros, JaliscoAgave: A. maximiliana / LechugillaMaestro Raicillero: Alfredo SalvatierraBottle: 169Lot: 29ABV: 45%Tasting keywords: Mineral, lactic, roast agaveNOM: NABuy it today Nose Like many Raicillas the Estancia Raicilla is marked an amazing bouquet. I get a touch of lactic fermentation,

As the song goes, "names make all the difference in the world" and that is manifestly true in Mexican distilling where everything has a name and a name that frequently changes depending on where you're distilling and who's doing the

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to sit in on a blind tasting of Potatorums with the Texas Mezcal and Tequila Society. Led by Paul Dutton, it was a great deep dive into four different expressions. The Tobalá,

Details Location: Santiago Matatlan, OaxacaAgave: Espadin, Tobala Maestro: Octavio Jimenez MonterrozaAbv: 47%Tasting keywords: citrus, clay, fruity NOM: 0110X Nose Wet earth and clay with undertones of caramelized tropical fruit and a hint of salinity.  Taste Surprisingly savory on the palate, sea salt and red chili, hot cinnamon

Details Location: Santiago Matatlan, OaxacaAgave: EspadinMaestro: Octavio Jimenez MonterrozaAbv: 47%Tasting keywords: minerals, earthy, boldNOM: 0110X Nose Distinct minerality on the nose is crisp and bright, revealing earthy layers and an overall bold profile.  Taste Echoing the aromas the minerals are front and center in the

Details Location: Santiago Matatlan, OaxacaAgave: EspadinMaestro: Octavio Jimenez MonterrozaAbv: 43%Tasting keywords: fresh, pineapple, light smoke NOM: 0110X Nose Fresh fruity pineapple aromas with green grassy notes and just a hint of smoke, classic Oaxaca.  Taste The texture starts out soft, gently coating the palate with tropical

Details Location: Santiago Matatlan, OaxacaAgave/Fruit: Espadin, Mango Maestro: Octavio Jimenez MonterrozaAbv: 48%Tasting keywords: fruity, juicy, ripe NOM: 0110X Nose Pure fresh mango aromas are crisp, clean and ripe.  Taste  Sweet and juicy mangos are front and center. Green papaya, pineapple husk, and green and pink peppercorns make

Details Location: Santiago Matatlan, OaxacaAgave: Tepeztate Maestro: Octavio Jimenez MonterrozaAbv: 48%Tasting keywords: bold, mineral, floral NOM: 0110X Nose Pungent and steely, the mineral rich and floral aromas are heady and enticing.  Taste Bright acidity is refreshing and pairs nicely with the red chile spice at the fore.

Details Location: Santiago Matatlan, OaxacaAgave: CuisheMaestro: Octavio Jimenez MonterrozaAbv: 48%Tasting keywords: grassy, spicy, dried fruitsNOM: 0110X Nose The nose is full of deep grassy aromas with spices like white pepper peeking through.  Taste  Full flavored in the mouth with more herbal grassiness, deep spice, dried

Details Location: Santiago Matatlan, OaxacaAgave: Pulquero (Americana)Maestro: Octavio Jimenez MonterrozaAbv: 48%Tasting keywords: mineral, orange zest, earthy NOM: 0110X Nose Somewhat subtle aromas of minerals and orange zest and clean and earthy.  Taste  In the mouth the flavors are bold and bright with more citrus zest, chalky

Details Location: Santiago Matatlan, OaxacaAgave: Jabali Maestro: Octavio Jimenez MonterrozaAbv: 50%Tasting keywords: complex, spicy, deep NOM: 0110X Nose Intense spices that are almost mole-like in complexity show notes of toasted red chile, cinnamon basil and wet cement.  Taste The rich texture is oily and smooth, allowing the