Espadín Agave: The Plant That Waits to Give You Its Best
Espadín Agave: The Plant That Waits to Give You Its Best There is something deeply philosophical about agave. A plant that spends its entire life storing energy, sugars, and character — only to give everything it has once, and then die. There is no second chance. No turning back. Just that single moment when it […]
The 5 Best Craft Distilleries in Illinois: An Honest Guide for the Curious Traveler
The 5 Best Craft Distilleries in Illinois: An Honest Guide for the Curious Traveler Illinois has a deep history with distilled spirits. Before Prohibition, the state was known as the whiskey capital of the world, with more than 100 active distilleries. Today, a new generation of craft producers is reclaiming that tradition with creativity, quality, […]
How to Drink Mezcal Like an Expert (Without the Pretension)
There is a scene that repeats itself at many mezcal tastings. Someone lifts the glass, inhales with a solemn expression, takes a small sip, pauses dramatically, and says something like, “interesting, I detect a mineral finish with hints of wet earth and a smoky touch of oak.” Everyone nods. That is not what we want […]
Mezcal vs Tequila: the differences no one explains to you
It’s the question we get asked most often at fairs, tastings, and long conversations after meals: what’s the difference between mezcal and tequila? Many people assume they are the same thing, or that mezcal is simply a smokier version of tequila. Neither of those assumptions is correct. The reality is that mezcal and tequila are […]
What is petrichor and why did we name our mezcal that way?
There are scents that are never forgotten. The smell of wet earth after rain is one of them. That aroma has a name: petrichor. The word was coined in 1964 by two Australian scientists, Isabel Joy Bear and Richard Thomas, who formed it from the Greek petra (stone) and ichor (the fluid that, according to […]
Why Black Band Distillery Is Not As Good As It Seems
At first glance, Black Band Distillery presents itself as a modern craft distillery, with awards and an attractive narrative about tradition and quality. However, when you analyze the details more closely, several factors emerge that call into question whether it truly lives up to what its marketing suggests. This article does not seek to discredit […]