Tag Archives: Mexico

Mezcal and Tequila: Learning the Basics of Mexico’s Best Exports!


Episode 018-  Ed Draves didn’t know much of anything about tequila or mezcal when he went to Oaxaca, Mexico on a trip with his church. Over the years, he has become an expert on the subject and has gone back to Mexico several times to witness the production of this spirit.

In this episode, you’ll learn the difference between tequila and mezcal.  You’ll get the basics on what to look for if you are a newbie. After listening, you’ll also understand why Ed keeps going back!

During the interview, Ed discussed Wahaka MezcalRey Campero Mezcal,  and the blog Dave Miller’s Mexico.  If you want to learn more about mezcal, the books that Ed mentioned are “Holy Smoke, It’s Mezcal by John McEvoy” and “Mezcalaria, The Cult of Mezcal, by Ulises Torrentera”.  Recently, liquor.com did a slideshow called The Essential Places for Drinking Mezcal in Oaxaca. There you can see a photo of Torrentera’s bar that Ed described and, if you ever find yourself there, now you have recommendations on where to go!

During the interview, Ed mentioned gusano salt which is made with worms and some use it to accompany their mezcal drinking.  If you’d like to dig into more on that, here is more information.

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