Shout out to Lalo Angeles of Lalocura for his insights about the damage done to the palenqueros who mill agave by hand.

Shout out to Jake Lustig of Mina Real and Mezcal Don Amado for his efforts to reduce smoke in the lives of the people from whom he sources his spirits.

Shout out to Neta for supporting the healthcare of mezcalero Celso Garcia.

Shout out to Dark Matter Coffee and Maguey Melate for supporting healthcare costs for some families in need in rural Oaxaca.

Want easier access to beautiful spirits? Add your signature to ShipMySpirits.org!

Live in Illinois and want easier access to beautiful spirits? Send a letter to Deputy Governor Andy Manar!

Read the article that inspired this episode: “U.S. Craft Distilleries Are in Crisis,” Food & Wine, July 31, 2024

That quote from Peter Holland, rum expert and Foursquare Distillery’s UK brand ambassador, appeared in “Could independent bottlers transform rum?,” The Spirits Business, September 24, 2024

Haven’t heard about Empirical’s Doritos spirit? Click here!

Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with special guest Marissa Paragano of The Tequiladies.

Note that this episode was recorded on September 25, 2024 -- before some of the latest developments regarding additive-free Tequila.

Marissa is also a board member of Tequila That Cares, a philanthropic organization bringing positive change to the agave spirits industry!