After a long self imposed writing hiatus, it’s time to get back to work. What better way than to do a post on mezcal.
I recently had the chance to meet with and share a few mezcals with Andrea Ptacnik, who works as an importer and distributor for two mezcals, Mezcal Animas and Mezcal Casta Tribal. As is always the case when I get around mezcal folks, I asked her for her 5 Mezcals Everyone Needs to Experience.
So, here they are, in no particular order.
Mezcal Rey Campero… like almost everyone else who recommends Rey Campero, Andrea says you’ve got to try the Jabali. It’s just a classic from Maestro Mezcalero Romulo Sanchez.
Mezcal Jolgorio… get the tepeztate. John McEvoy, the Mezcal PhD puts it this way. Get three tepeztates in a flight. Find the one you like, and buy it. Clearly the offering from Jolgorio is the one Andrea prefers.
Mezcal Vago… try the espadin, infused with corn. This wild concoction was also on Chef Pilar Cabrera’s list. Coming in at 50.9% abv, this is simply a one of a kind mezcal.
Mezcal Derrumbes… The red labeled one from Tamaulipus. Okay Andrea, it’s actually pink, but why be picky? This mezcal, landing at 46% abv comes from the hand of Cuahutémoc Jacques. This is the mezcal that lit Andrea’s face as we talked. I’m thinking that makes it highly recommended.
Mezcal Farolito… This is the baby from famed mezcal aficionado, Ulises Torrentera. Here’s the bottom line on this one… next time you’re in Oaxaca, stop by In Situ and tell Ulises you want to sample his mezcal. He’ll pour you a great flight from his Farolito brand. And you won’t be disappointed.
So there you have it. 5 Mezcals You Need to Experience… from Andrea Ptacnik, of not just Mezcal Animas but also, Mezcal Casta Tribal.
Dave Miller's Mexico 
Hey Dave, didn’t see a contact page on the site, but would like to chat with you about your work with providing clean water to communities in Mexico. We also live in Mexico. Let me know the best way to connect.
Hey Pawel… I’m at oaxdave@gmail.com. Looking forward to it!