In this chapter we are joined by Cate, a tequila nerd and wonderful conversation partner. She gave us some insight into her experiences at the Fortaleza bartender program last year – a trip that let her experience the hard work, craftsmanship and arts of creating Agave spirits first hand. (If you want to learn more about Fortaleza, you can listen to our episode with Don Guillermo here.) She also shared some amazing spirits from her personal collection with us, one of them a “dusty bottle” of Herradura which gave Diego some serious goosebumps. Enjoy!
Photos from the recording:
The suitcase 
Geeking out before the recording 
Cate’s coa 
Our flight (it was first class)
Photos from Cate’s trip:
Don Guillermo at his estate 
Fiona attacking a maguey plant 
Out in the fields 
Fortaleza tahona 
Blending
Explore further:
- Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant (San Francisco)
- Documentary: Agave: The spirit of a nation
- Stefano Francavilla, Fortaleza ambassador
- Ashtin Berry
- Megs Miller/FAM Bar
Fact checks:
- Fortaleza uses their own family yeast and no accelerators
- Herradura was purchased by Brown-Forman Corporation in 2007
- El Tesero: “Don Felipe” is Carlos, Lily, Jenny, and Felipe’s grandfather, not father. Theirs Dad’s name was also Felipe, but he wasn’t “Don Felipe”.
Not mentioned on the Show:
- El Tesoro (the brand) was purchased by Beam a few years ago, but all El Tesoro is still made my Carlos at La Altena (Nom 1139)
- Agave and Mezcal business women of Jalisco
Reach out:
