The alcohol distribution system in the United States, the gateway to doing business related to spirits in any state of the Union, is going through a profound transformation driven by strong economic pressure caused by multiple factors. What for decades operated as a profitable business and a channel to bring diversity to the market now … More When Big Distribution Decides What You Drink — and Small Brands Are Not Included

Long before human beings existed in Mesoamerica, maguey was already there. Centuries later, the first peoples didn’t just adopt it: they understood it. They domesticated it and made it part of their daily lives. From this plant —mezcal in Chichimeco, metl in Náhuatl, dóob in Zapotec— they built shelter, made clothing, created tools, and found food, medicine, and drink. … More Today, International Mother Earth Day, a brief reflection on agave… and what we are doing with it.

Agave is better known in Mexico as maguey —a name imposed by the Spaniards who encountered the plant on the island of Puerto Rico and which comes from the Taíno language—. However, in Mesoamerica, the plant was called Metl in Nahuatl and Metzcali in Chichimec, as demonstrated by studies conducted by researcher Eduardo Sánchez Jiménez. … More Liquid Sovereignty: The Defensive Function of the Mezcal Denomination of Origin in the International Market

What did that mezcal taste like, crafted with a Filipino recipe by Indigenous hands under Spanish rule? As early as the 17th century, we know of flavorings that made this drink special: distillers mixed it with animals, fruits, and botanicals, calling them pechugas—a name tied to special celebrations. Others infused mezcal with herbs or insects for … More The Mezcal of the Old Guard: Between Clay, Barrels, and Glass, a Quick Glance at Its History and Traditions

By Eduardo Belaunzarán 📝 This is an English translation of an original Spanish article written by me, which I translated using ChatGPT for broader reach. Every April 22nd, we celebrate International Mother Earth Day. It’s a time to reflect on the many battles being fought to preserve our planet. Today, I want to focus on one … More 🌎 Mezcal and the Earth: The Environmental Cost of a Cheap Pour