Agave Spirits Audiobook By Gary Paul Nabhan, David Suro Pinera cover art

Agave Spirits

The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals

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Agave Spirits

By: Gary Paul Nabhan, David Suro Pinera
Narrated by: Adi Cabral
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All tequilas are mezcals; all mezcals are made from agaves; and every bottle of mezcal is the remarkable result of collaborations among agave entrepreneurs, botanists, distillers, beverage distributors, bartenders, and more. How these groups come together in this "spirits world" is the subject of this fascinating new book by the acclaimed ethnobotanist Gary Paul Nabhan and the pioneering restauranteur David Suro Piñera. Join them as they delight in the diversity of the distillate agave spirits, as they endeavor to track down the more distant kin in the family of agaves, and as, along the way, they reveal the stunning innovations that have been transforming the industry around tequilas and mezcals in recent decades.

The result of the authors' fieldwork and on-the-ground interviews with mezcaleros in eight Mexican states, Agave Spirits shows how traditional methods of mezcal production are inspiring a new generation of individuals, including women, both in and beyond the industry. And as they reach back into a rich, centuries-long history, Nabhan and Suro Piñera make clear that understanding the story behind a bottle of mezcal, more than any other drink, will not only reveal what lies ahead for the tradition—including its ability to adapt in the face of the climate crisis—but will also enrich the drinking experience for listeners.

©2023 Gary Paul Nabhan and David Suro Piñera (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books
Climate Change Environment Food & Wine Gastronomy Science Wine Ecosystem
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The intro through Chapter 2 were hard to get through. So much negativity. The middle was good. The ending was the same as the beginning. I downloaded this to learn about the history and culture but was mainly lectured. I wanted to learn. I’d say about half the book accomplished that.

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"Agave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals" unveils the captivating and complex world of mezcal. Authors Nabhan & Pinera skillfully contrast the rich, traditional methods of dedicated mezcaleros with the harsh realities of mass production and the resultant homogenous spirits born from industrialization. By showcasing how agave diversity yields the unique flavors of artisanal mezcals, they underscore the value of terroir and craft. More than a celebration of the spirit and its talented makers, the book reveals a critical imperative: preserving the ecological diversity of agave. These spirits deserve respect for their heritage, ancestral techniques, and sustainable practices that imbue the true complexity experienced in the copita.

"Agave Spirits" is a crucial read for those seeking to understand the delicate balance between tradition and progress in agave spirits, and Adi Cabral's nuanced narration perfectly complements this powerful work.

The Heart of Mezcal: Terroir in a Copita

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