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.
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Ep 270 – Aaron Kolitz: Mi Casa es Su Casa
Aaron Kolitz has traveled around the world, sometimes cooking, sometimes sipping, but always learning. The San Antonio native has always been interested in education. And once the hospitality bug settled in, his ability to adapt and learn landed him gigs at various wonderful restaurants. Now as a brand ambassador for Casa Noble tequila, his kindness, interest in raw ingredients, and ability to connect with folks keeps propelling him forward. We chat shuttering a restaurant, top golf, and agave.
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Ep 252 – Clayton Szczech: A Life on Tour
Portland native Clayton Szczech leveraged writing, music, and civil service to the help the community around him. But as many stories twist and turn, (add disappointment with bureaucracy and a need for new horizons into the mix) Clayton found a new sense of purpose in agave spirits. Now the founder of such great curated tours like Experience Mezcal, and Experience Tequila, he is able to help invite people into the rich culture of Mexico. And to top it off he has also founded one of the only Tequila tasting bars in Jalisco, La Cata. We chat liberty, punk rock, agave sustainability, and more.
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Ep 247 – Esteban Morales Garibi: A Bridge Between the Past and the Present
Esteban Morales Garibi revitalized craft cocktails, coffee, and culinary innovation in Guadalajara. His commitment to transparency, new projects, and sharing beautiful spirits with the world is a page out of an adventure novel. His introduction of La Venenosa introduced the world to Raicilla, a seemingly lost spirit that highlights the flavors of Jalisco. Likewise, his latest project Mezcales Derrumbes features beautiful mezcal from the states of Oaxaca, Michoacan, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, and Durango. And the projects don’t stop there…. We talk food, Sotol, Mexico, ambition, and more…..
