The Cocktail College Podcast: Mezcal’s Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future: Part 2
There’s a saying about mezcal whispered in the most serious discussions as well as those that take place in kitschy tourist spots: “For all that is bad, take mezcal. For all that is good, mezcal too. And if there is no cure, a liter and a half will work for sure.” That saying might sound like an excuse to drink, but for many living in Oaxaca, it’s a reminder of the deep and ubiquitous role that mezcal can play in community life — a role that was cultural long before it was economic.
Today on the “Cocktail College” podcast, we’re exploring some of the obstacles mezcaleros have overcome in recent decades to keep this rich cultural heritage moving. “For all that is good, make mezcal. And for all that is bad, keep making mezcal.”
Come along as we travel deeper into mezcal’s past, uncovering the ghosts that continue to haunt the spirit — from government crackdowns and corruption to secret hillside palenques and state-sanctioned Espadín monocultures. Joined by restaurateur Ivan Vazquez and legendary mezcaleros across Oaxaca, we’ll explore how Prohibition-era policies reshaped production, erased diversity, and left an indelible mark on the mezcal we drink today. This is a story of survival, adaptation, and the delicate balance between tradition and commerce. Tune in for more.
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Ivan Vazquez
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The article The Cocktail College Podcast: Mezcal’s Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future: Part 2 appeared first on VinePair.