Amando Alvarez is a young Mezcalero hailing from the small town of Santa Maria Ixcatlán, Oaxaca. He is a 6th generation producer using very ancestral techniques. As we sit at his palenque outside of town and reflect on how the world feels about Mezcal, a simpler reality sets in. Amando does what he loves and what he knows. The balance of nature, tranquility, and community is unparalleled in this industry. We chat animals, music, and more.
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Ep 283 – Alan Ruesga-Pelayo: When There’s A Will, There’s A Way
Guadalajara native Alan Ruesga-Pelayo has hospitality in his blood. As a helper with his parents social events, and a lover of conversation, the perfect stage was set for Alan to excel in the bartending community. After moving to meet his sister in Washington DC, a necessity to learn English and a great deal of opportunities in hospitality started to pave his career. Some years later, a chance meeting behind the bar led to his most recent connection with Cazadores as the new and colorful brand ambassador. We chat hosting, press, Austin, and more.
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Ep 277 – Danny Mena: From the Kitchen to the Palenque
Starting as a finicky eater and a boy of routine, Danny Mena’s mathematical mind transformed in his college years. The once deeply analytical mind evolved into the world food. Supper clubs, and many flavor combinations later, Danny paired his business acumen and his kitchen experience to launch a successful restauranteur career. This deep passion of Mexico and flavor inevitably drove him into the beautiful world of Mezcal. We chat music, flavor, inspiration, and Mezcal.
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Ep 276 – Andres Portela: Agave Finds You Eventually
Sombra Mezcal’s Andres Portela was steeped in hospitality as part of a generous Argentinian family. Early studies in English and getting mix tape suggestions from his musical siblings encouraged Andres to take the stage, but not in the way you’d think. Working his way through the hospitality industry in Mexico, Andres now takes the stage to educate the masses on the beauty of Agave, and of course Sombra Mezcal. We chat Metal, RiotFest, sustainability, and Mezcal.
