tobala

El Jolgorio: A Boutique Mezcal with Many Varietals

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As a regular reader, you know I have a fascination with the diversity of agaves from which mezcal can be made.  From my-likely-to-be-highly-inaccurate accounting, I am somewhere in the mid-40’s of species, sub-species, or varieties of agave from which mezcal is currently produced.

I recently came across an academic research piece from the noted agave expert, Ana Valenzuela-Zapata, that said there were 42 species in Mexico from which mezcal is made.  This is directionally where I came out on my last piece on this topic.  (I got to 47 but I know there is some overlap).  So while the exact number is hard to pin down, and is likely a moving target, my pursuit continues.

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Mezcal Tasting March 9

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There was a night a few years ago when I decided to have my own very private mezcal tasting.  I had collected a few very nice bottles at that point and wanted to try them side by side to compare, contrast, and enjoy.  But by myself?  Sure.  Why not?  Just me and my booze.  But my wife was worried about me, my parents called, neighbors knocked, the dog barked (imagine my shock since I don’t have one).  They thought I was going over the edge (the edge of glory perhaps!).  But it was alright.  I had a great time and learned a few things along the way.

Something Good Is About to Happen Here
Something Good Is About to Happen Here

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How Many Varieties of Agave Can Be Used to Make Mezcal? (Take 2)

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Here we go.  Strap on your agave nerd hat!  I have been working on this new piece for months.  I put up my first post on this topic in May, but I have learned more since then and this list is better.  Perfect?  No.  But better.  You see, it is a difficult topic to tackle.  Let’s start with the mezcal regulators.

Agave Tobala
Agave Tobala (Potatorum)

Mezcal had its first modernized set of government regulations, called NORMA in 1994.  A new NORMA was drawn up for mezcal in 1997 and revised in 2005.  Under the new laws, all mezcal production must be certified in order to sell or export it.  The NORMA lists only 5 of the common varieties of agave from which mezcal can be made, such as espadin and tobala. (more…)

Master Mezcalier Class – Level 1

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OK, I am really behind.  I hate when my MBA gets in the way of my PhD.  So yes, I have been too busy to put up many posts, so I have some catching up to do.  I also owe a strongly positive review to Matt Resler and Empellon here in NYC – the mezcal is strong with that one for sure!  That post will be coming.

But for now, let’s talk about the Master Mezcalier Class that I attended in May.  As you may know from prior posts, I was quite psyched to attend this course and start the process toward formal mezcal accreditation. (more…)