It’s nearly the Day of the Dead in Mexico, which gives us the perfect excuse to get familiar with the country’s national spirit: tequila. Or wait, should that be mezcal? And what’s the difference, anyway? In this episode of Gastropod, Cynthia and Nicky travel to Mexico to explore the history and science of distilled agave, and get tangled up in a complex sto ... Show More
Jul 21
Where There's Smoke, There's...Whiskey, Fish, and Barbecue!
As anyone who’s spent time by a crackling campfire or a barbecue pit can attest, the scent of smoke is unmistakable—and surprisingly mysterious. Smoke clings to clothing but vanishes in the breeze. You see it, but you can’t hold it. It’s fantastic in whiskey and terrible in toast ... Show More
51m 5s
Jun 23
Bringing Home the Bacon: From Shakespeare to the Baconator
For many Americans, bacon is an essential element of the perfect breakfast—not to mention a welcome addition to everything from cheeseburgers to doughnuts. But bacon hasn't always been beloved. Ancient Egyptians elites looked down on pork, Judaism and Islam banned it entirely, an ... Show More
48m 10s
Jul 2021
Todo Sobre el Tequila - All About Tequila
<p>Nothing says “Mexico” like tequila. In this episode, we talk about the origins of this quintessential Mexican drink, where it’s produced, how it’s made, how it compares to its cousin mezcal, and more. ¡Salud!<br/>Links:</p><ul><li><a href='https://youtu.be/kCnM0OWOfbM'>“Tradit ... Show More
27m 41s
Sep 2024
The Most Important Tequila of the Century
<p>Once a century, Agave Road Trip goes out looking for the most important Tequila of that era. Now, there are still a solid 75 years let in this century, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say, this early in the game, I’ve identified that Tequila. And the winner is… </p><p>Ag ... Show More
27m 31s
Apr 2024
Live From Mexico: Read Spear, Real Mezcal
Jimmy is on the horn with Read Spear, President of Origen Imports inc. in Oaxaca, Mexico. Read is a pioneering mezcal importer, and Origen Imports incorporates several brands including Cuentacuentos Agave Spirits.The key to marketing mezcal made using 400 year old traditions is g ... Show More
1h 9m
Jul 2025
Part 2: Mezcal’s Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future
In Part 2 of our three-part mezcal documentary, 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 ... Show More
56m 18s