Montagave’s co-founder John Melvin has delved in finances, drumming, winemaking, and now fatherhood. His brand, Montagave Tequila , is a promise ring to his French wife and their love of all things flavor. This beautiful French meets Jalisco project produced at Cascahuin was just the first step. Now, John brings one of the most lauded tasting events, Good Juice, to Austin Texas on November 8 (2025). What’s in store for attendees and how does John’s distinct version of hospitality enhance the experience? We chat art, family meal, jam bands, and more.
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Ep 374 – Sebastian Cajas: Never Met A Stranger
Austin’s Sebas Cajas has had an interesting journey through the jungle, basketball courts, and mezcalerias of Ecuador. After a fateful gap in gigs, and motherly advice, he left Quito to start a new chapter in Austin. Here he has found love, friends, and most recently of all a deeper love of agave. After many years working behind the global spirits specialty restaurant/bar Veracruz, Sebas now takes on his biggest challenge yet with La Mezca, an intimate mecaleria style cocktail bar with lovely ambience and intimacy. We chat NBA GOAT, Nike’s, feeling part of a community, and more.
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Ep 373- Diana Pinzón: This is Zinacantan Mezcal
Diana Pinzón has a lust for life, nature, exploration, and protecting natural resources. Her forrest studies led her to Puebla, where the beginnings of Zinacantan Mezcal were born. Now years later and at the helm of Mezcal truth-telling, Diana, via Raices Imports, brings these beautiful spirits into Texas. We talk about bats, dancing, travel, and more.
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Ep 372 – Naomi Michial Ayala: Behind the Scenes
Naomi Michial Ayala has achieved profound things in the hospitality industry and somehow has never been thrown into the spotlight. With almost 20 years in the business, Naomi has bartended, educated, led the Dallas USBG, and continues to be a consummate professional and role model to others. Her latest chapter with CVH Spirits, brings her back to the world of Scotch whisky and with more horsepower than ever. We chat health, gardening, performative questions, and more.
