The Nectar Corridor

Episodes

1. 11

   What Makes a Good Mezcal?

   In this episode, we speak with Cynthia Villalobos from Aventureros del Mezcal and Jesús Espina Ortiz from Archivo Maguey about their efforts to shine a spotlight on mezcal and the folks that make it. Cynthia provides financial, educational and technical support in order to elevate independent...

   Apr 29, 2022

   36m
2. 10

   The History of Pulque

   In this episode we talk with Raúl Guerrero about pulque, a maguey-based fermented drink that has its origins in pre-Hispanic times and has been consumed for more than 2,000 years. Raúl is a cultural manager and researcher of pulque from the State of Hidalgo. Pulque comes from native Mexico,...

   Apr 22, 2022

   24m
3. 9

   Mezcal Rituals with Asis Cortés and Mar de Cortés

   This episode we take a spiritual journey through the rituals that accompany mezcal. Niki meets with Mar de Cortés and Asís Cortés in their space called "Espiritus Mágicos" and together they examine mezcal culture from a different perspective. The traditions of the peoples, families and origins of...

   Apr 15, 2022

   25m
4. 8

   Mapping Mezcal

   In this episode we explore two maps: one on the diversity of magueyes and mezcal traditions throughout Mexico (created, among others, by Jorge Larson) and the other on the productive regions of Oaxaca and their local magueyes (created by Rion Toal). Both perspectives help us develop a better...

   Apr 8, 2022

   34m
5. 7

   From Mezcal "Expendios" to Mezcalerías

   In this new episode, we cover the history of mezcal from the mid-1900s to the present day. We speak with Félix Monterrosa, creator of the mezcalería "Cuish". Félix retells anecdotes of more than half a century of a family dedicated to mezcal. The conversation touches on historical issues related…

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   Apr 1, 2022

   20m
6. 6

   A Taste of the North - "Vinatero" Culture

   In this episode, we discuss regulation and current state of mezcal production, particularly in northern Mexico. We speak with Luis Loya, founder of Nación de las Verdes Matas, where he sells traditional spirits from Sonora, Nuevo León, Durango and Tamaulipas. We also speak with Diego Mayagoitia…

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   Mar 25, 2022

   27m
7. 5

   The Nectar Corridor

   In this episode, we learn the significance of "the nectar corridor" and what it reveals about the relationships between soil conservation, agave, pollinators, and mezcal production. To explore these connections, we speak to conservationist Diana Pinzon and agronomist Mario Acevedo. The Nectar...

   Mar 18, 2022

   28m
8. 4

   What's in a Mezcal? - From Fermentation to Distillation

   In part two of "What's in a Mezcal?", we continue our tours with producers Eduardo Angeles and Cuca Cortez. We learn about fermentation, the native yeasts and friendly microbes that transform sugar into alcohol, and how each maker approaches distillation. The Nectar Corridor is a part of…

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   Mar 11, 2022

   25m
9. 3

   What's in a Mezcal? - From the Field to the Oven

   What goes into making mezcal? In this first of a two-part episode, we learn about the life cycle of the agave plant, how they reproduce, how long they take to mature, and what their cooking process entails. We visit with producers Eduardo Angeles of Lalocura in Santa Catarina Minas and Cuca…

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   Mar 4, 2022

   20m
10. 2

    Mezcal: It's Everything

    Welcome to The Nectar Corridor, a podcast where we explore the incredible world of mezcal. In this first episode, we consider what mezcal means to some of the people who have dedicated their lives to it. We speak with Sosima Olivera, Marco Ochoa, and Eduardo Ángeles about their family legacies,...

    Feb 25, 2022

    35m
11. 1

    Trailer - The Nectar Corridor

    Here’s a first look at what to expect from our new podcast, The Nectar Corridor, as narrated by host Niki Nakazawa (@nikinakazawa). The Spanish version is already out, but it will stream in English starting on February 25.

    Feb 24, 2022

    2m