The Mezcal Experience: A Guide to Mezcal and Tequila

‘Before mezcal I knew tequila. We danced together and had a good time. Then I found mezcal and we not only danced but we talked and talked. As a lover of whisky, mezcal was an easy step for me. And Tom is the person to tell you all about it.’
Thomasina Miers, author and chef-owner of Wahaca restaurant chain
‘Thomas, aside from having one of the early great beards of NYC, played some of the finest music ever to crawl into my drunken ears. He retains the same intimidating and generous approach to mezcal: know everything worth knowing about a subject, avoid the garbage, love it, and share.’
James Murphy, LCD Soundsystem
Mezcal, unlike its infamous offspring, tequila, has until recently been one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. And if the only thing that springs to mind when you think of tequila is tequila slammers, it’s time to think again. ‘Mezcalerias’ are popping up across the world and mezcal is increasingly seen on the menus of the most discerning and hippest bars, drawing crowds to dedicated venues from New York City to London, Tokyo and beyond. The spirit works like a wine - it’s all about terroir – while the properties of the agave plant means that no other drink makes you feel quite as good as mezcal does. Thomas takes us on a regional tour of Mexico, discovering local mezcal gems, whilst offering more than 30 cocktails from bars across the world, and a guide to 40 ‘mezcalerias’ to visit. This authoritative but accessible book is the go-to book on this incredible spirit, with an in-depth illustrated guide of over 100 mezcal, from backyard heroes to the big names.