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.
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Ep 275 – Ron Cooper: Finding Mezcal
Few individuals have lived such a colorful life as the artist and agave shamen, Ron Cooper. As a creative kid interested in cars, travel, and love, Ron started the first chapter of his beautiful tale as an artist. A tale that weaves through decades of creation, learning, and ultimately Mezcal. We chat about everything.
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Ep 274 – Shad Kvetko: The Secret Got Out
Dallas has recently seen a nice influx of agave centric bars, but none have the heart and history like Las Almas Rotas. Shad Kvetko is a writer, a collector, and a passionate agave amigo. His deep passion for Southwest aesthetic, as having grown up in Arizona, changed the way he perceived his surroundings. Many tales late, after starting a semi-secret Mezcal club, a beautiful Mezcaleria, Las Almas Rotas, was born. We chat roadside attractions, Mezcal, cacti, and more.
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Ep 271 – Arik Torren: If You Build It, They Will Come
When you decide that your journey as an entrepreneur has begun, that trek will never end. Arik Torren had family inspiration, and a lust for life when he set out to do that thing that would ultimately define his career. Agave Spirits have grown profoundly as a category in the US, but much the interest in Mezcal and Raicilla wouldn’t have occurred without Arik’s passion and tenacity. We chat restaurants, his baby Fidencio Mezcal, teaching, and more.










