The world of mezcal is growing in a very rapid way. The divide between bottle pricing creates many questions for consumers and bartenders alike. With all the market opportunities, what does a burgeoning brand do to captivate the market and consumers alike. Fausto Zapata, the creator and CEO of El Silencio Mezcal, used his interest in people, real estate, and culture to bring a cost-effective spirit to the market. And now, a few years later, the bottle can be spotted just about anywhere. So where does entrepreneurialism end and passion begin? We chat agave blends, terroir, family, and food.
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Ep 245 – Alvaro Plata: The Spoils of Spain
Sherry is finally returning to favor in cocktails and drinking culture, but some of the details are foggy. The jet setting Alvaro Plata travels the world sharing the beautiful spirits and sherry’s of Gonzalez Byass. The beloved Spanish brandy and sherries are a labor of passion and years of tradition. As many generations of Alvaro’s family have worked with GB in Jerez, he continues the legacy whilst sharing sips around the world. We chat teaching, Nomad whiskey, economics, food, and the best flavor combo with Sherry.
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Ep 244 – Johnnie Mundell: A Scotsman in Japan
The road to Scotch was a much larger one than you might think for Beam-Suntory’s Johnnie Mundell. As a traveler, and semi-aspiring film maker, his creative roots were moving in many directions. But as life and love ultimately shaped the journey, Johnnie connected with his homeland and perspective on teaching as he became a whisky brand ambassador. Through a few other brands, Johnnie ultimately found one of the largest challenges yet, representing Japanese culture and history through the lens of Whisky with Beam-Suntory. We chat Ken Loach, school days, Cognac, Jordan Felix and more.
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Ep 241 – Dr. Ivan Saldaña: Innovation on the Horizon of Mezcal
Download Dr. Ivan Saldana is a thinker, a scientist, an influencer, and a crazy inventor. As a safe keeper of mezcal, and plant lover, his early career may have taken him in a different direction. However, the studies abroad at Sussex full enveloped Ivan into his romantic relationship with agave. Years later, the entrepreneurial spirit took over and he helped developed the beautiful Ancho Reyes and Montelobos products. A vast personality with a vast wealth of knowledge, Dr Ivan has written the Anatomy of Mezcal which still serves as a pillar of agave education. We chat academia, children, turning 40, and more.