From Gas Cans to Global Mezcal | Jake Lustig’s INSANE Story

Jake Lustig joins me for one of the BEST agave spirit conversations I’ve ever had on Tasting Tequila with Brad. We dive deep into traditional mezcal production, Don Amado Mezcal, ArteNOM tequila, clay pot distillation, Oaxaca, fermentation with fibers, historic tequila production methods, and how mezcal went from being delivered in gas cans to becoming a global craft spirit movement. Jake shares incredible stories about starting in Oaxaca in the late 80s, mapping distilleries, building Don Amado Mezcal, helping launch Espolòn Tequila, creating ArteNOM, and preserving traditional agave culture while still innovating production methods. This interview covers: Traditional clay pot mezcal distillation Don Amado Mezcal production ArteNOM 1123 & historic tequila methods Mezcal vs tequila differences Wild vs cultivated agave Fermentation techniques Oaxaca mezcal culture Sustainability & agave replanting Barrel-aged mezcal debate The future of craft agave spirits If you love additive-fre...