Christopher Stevens of Craft Distillers INC flies under the radar. He doesn’t have much in the way of social media presence and his humility directly mirrors that of the producers for which he works. Once a psychology student focused on going into practice, his connection with hospitality and initially, fine wine, set his path on a whole new direction. Now as a regional sales manager for Craft Distillers Inc, he shares the fine mezcales of Alipus, Los Nahuales, and the Mezcalero collection with intrigued palettes across the states. We chat Hawaii, fatherhood, San Andres, and more.
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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…..
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EP 234 – Eric Fry: The Soul of Guatemala
Download With an accounting degree in his pocket, and a guitar strapped to his back, Ilegal Mezcal’s Eric Fry trekked to Antigua without knowing exactly how it would impact his life. As an aspiring drummer in Athens, Alabama, he completed an accounting degree without exactly knowing why. But as the band fizzled out and wanderlust started to take root, Eric set off into the sunset. This journey led him to the beautiful Guatemala and ultimately to sit in as a quick-stop accountant for Cafe No Se’s Ilegal Mezcal Years later and a move to Texas, Eric shares the beauty of Ilegal Mezcal and has never seen a stranger. We chat drumming, Pink…