Mezcal's Continued Search for Mainstream Success

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges and potential of mezcal in achieving mainstream success, featuring insights from VinePair Spirits Editor Aaron Goldfarb.

Adam and Joanna are joined by VinePair Spirits Editor Aaron Goldfarb to break down his list of the 20 Best Mezcals for 2026 and the general state of Mexico's other great agave spirit. While bartenders and aficionados remain deeply enamored with mezcal, commercial success has been limited in scope and confined to a few specific brands. Is the wild, small batch nature of the spirit an insurmountable roadblock to a larger audience? Is the complexity and variety, the very thing that draws some in, a turnoff for most? Plus - what's the deal with pechuga anyhow? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and cheers! Joanna is drinking: Guinness Negroni Adam is drinking: Grimm Artisanal Ales "Lambo Door" Double IPA Aaron is drinking: Heaven Hill "Deatsville" Bourbon Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Adam, Joanna

Guest: Aaron Goldfarb

Topics covered

• mezcal
• agave spirits
• commercial success
• bartending
• cocktails
• small batch production

Keywords

• mezcal
• best mezcals 2026
• agave spirit
• bartenders
• cocktail culture
• pechuga

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: VinePair

Products: Guinness Negroni, Grimm Artisanal Ales "Lambo Door" Double IPA, Heaven Hill "Deatsville" Bourbon

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