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The myths and legends around agave and mezcal have been shared by storytellers for centuries. We have collected a number of these stories on our mezcal journey and will be sharing our favorite mezcal legends in the next couple of diary entries.

‘Mezcal de pechuga’ is a special mezcal usually made upon request and is traditionally reserved and consumed in Mexico for special celebrations like weddings, births, and holidays.

At the bottom of some mezcal bottles, you may find a worm (gusano in Spanish). One of the urban legends is that if eaten, the worm may make you hallucinate, act like an aphrodisiac, or boost your vitality. We’re sorry to be a party pooper, but consuming the worm won’t do anything other than make you a little drunker perhaps.

Every batch of traditional mezcal is unique in its flavours. We’ve mentioned in our previous entries that the variety of an agave plant used for mezcal is a major contributor to mezcal’s flavours and aromas (similar to a grape variety in wines). It’s also the production process that makes each batch not like the other. This is Part II of our entry on the alchemy of mezcal where we’ve decided to get nerdy and talk about the production side of mezcal. See The Alchemy Part I where we talk about the harvest, the roast, and the grind.

Every batch of traditional mezcal is unique in its flavours. We’ve mentioned in our previous entries that the variety of an agave plant used for mezcal is a major contributor to mezcal’s flavours and aromas (similar to a grape variety in wines). It’s also the production process that makes each batch not like the other. In the next few articles, we’ve decided to get nerdy and talk about the production process of mezcal.

Between October 31st and November 2nd, the streets and public squares of Mexico turn into explosions of colours, flower petals, candles, fancy dresses, parades, music and parties, as Mexico celebrates Día de los Muertos, or Day or the Dead.

One of the reasons we love mezcal is due to its sociable qualities. Since ancient times mezcal has brought communities together and is often thought of as an agent of strengthening social ties in Mexico.

We’ve already mentioned that artisanal mezcal is 100% agave – nothing added. Agave is a succulent plant native to Mexico and is long considered sacred in Mexican culture due to its versatile properties. 

So you are one of the lucky ones and mezcal found you. It probably happened as you danced on a beach under the Mexican starry skies or because you’re a foodie and a cocktail enthusiast like us. Maybe your friends told you about it, because once mezcal finds you, you just want to spread the word of the spirit.

United by the passion for the ancestral elixir, Xamán and Mezcal Diaries are embarking on a journey together to capture the magic that mezcal sparks. Together, we’ll be exploring mezcal and its vibrant culture and traditions, fantastic cuisine, vivid art, joyful music, and of course the people and communities behind it all.

Join us on this journey of discovery and marvel through mezcal experiences as we share our stories in Xamán Diaries.

The spirit is provided by Mezcal Xamán and the tales are told by Mezcal Diaries.