Emilio del Conde grew up in Tecate, crossing the U.S.-Mexico border every day for school, an experience that shaped the way he sees people, culture, and opportunity. That drive took him from sales and finance to founding Chupes Finos (importer, distributor, and more) in Carrollton, Texas. In this episode, Emilio shares how a passion for collecting mezcal turned into a partnership with Leo Garcia and Macheé Mezcal, while we dive into border culture, entrepreneurship, community, and the connections that great spirits create. It’s an honest, insightful conversation full of great stories—and one that proves Emilio is only getting started.
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Ep 381 – David Rodriguez: The Faces of Patrón Tequila
I had the lovely privilege to visit Hacienda Patrón and explore their various production sites and methods. Beyond the opulent quarters and beautiful hospitality, I found something more intriguing: the hidden complexity of their tequila. (Which is soon to be released in an entirely new 100 Proof, tahona-crushed, blanco tequila.) Towards the middle of my stay, I had the opportunity to interview Patrón’s maestro Tequilero David Rodriguez. We chat about quality, history, learning, and his inherent scientific mind. Recorded live at Copper Bar at Hacienda Patrón.
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Ep 380 – Santos Serfaty: The Story of Zancudo Mezcal
Santos Serfaty, co-founder of Zancudo Mezcal, has traversed the world while working in many restaurants and bars. This transnational lifestyle has led to him learning many languages, and learning many lessons about life. Nomadic in ways, and tremendously ground in others, Santos has settled in Mexico City to finally find his home. Through his love of food and cocktails, Santos was introduced to mezcal and a direct path to Oaxaca. Afters years of blending, tasting, and exploring, Zancudo Mezcal was finally born. We chat drums, proofing, and design.
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Ep 379 – Alice Carroll: The Right Whiskey at the Right Time
Alice Carroll is breaking waves in the whiskey business. Her many chapters as a brand ambassador for the world’s most well known whiskies emboldened an ambition: an ambition to create her own brand. The delicious result is Foxes Bow Irish whiskey, an artist, flavor first concoction. But as Alice’s passion project breathes live into the market, what kind of challenges and unexpected corners will have to be surmounted? We chat about fashion, the sound of our own voices, and a new 40% missing campaign: a new bottling for International Women’s Month that begs the question “where is the representation for Women in this vast whiskey industry?”
