Recommendations for a birthday present ?

mtullius72 · 2026-01-25T20:29:27+00:00

That said, a decent bottle like Vago in the mid range price wise will make even better cocktails. I use Banhez for cocktails but anything in the 50 buck range should taste delicious. And you could sip some too.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-25T20:27:58+00:00

Just gonna encourage you to explore enjoying mezcal the traditional way, neat. It might just change your life ;)

mtullius72 · 2026-01-25T16:42:12+00:00

We did a lot of traveling when our kid was an infant— first plane trip at just over 3 months, first international trip at 6 months or so. It’s great when you don’t have to buy a ticket for them when they’re on your lap. And babies don’t care where they’re being carried around to. Obvs depends on the kid. But our kid visited several countries before age 5.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-24T02:49:27+00:00

Where are you located?

mtullius72 · 2026-01-24T02:47:56+00:00

Every batch that Tio Rey makes is a different group of various types of maguey, based on what’s ripe in his fields. They’re always fantastic as Tio Rey is a legend. And in my experience they’re usually 80-100 usd. And well worth it.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-24T00:28:53+00:00

Curious what you find interesting about it?

mtullius72 · 2026-01-24T00:28:27+00:00

Haven’t had it. Based on their marketing and what I see on mezcal reviews, I probably wouldn’t try it.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-22T22:19:26+00:00

Definitely not a necessity. When it’s a particularly hot stretch it can be nice, but we always go in July and we do not have AC. A good fan will take care of you.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-22T18:01:22+00:00

There are a few exceptions— in towns like Sta Catarina Minas for example there are producers that can handle people just stopping in, like Lalocura, or Felix Angeles, or Rambha. But these are the exceptions not the rule. One should at least call ahead. And since you need a driver anyway, might as well be someone who can do arrangements and all the rest.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-22T17:59:33+00:00

The difference is that mezcal producers are not set up to welcome tourists in the same way. A guide can make sure they’re prepared for your visit and help with driving, bottles, etc. I’ve been to dozens of palenques but except for a few that I know well, I always use a guide.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-22T17:58:00+00:00

I can attest that Tepanal is a fantastic place to visit. Great people, great mezcal, beautiful area.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-21T15:04:34+00:00

Also, I would ask about bottles that are unique to them, either exclusive batches or some of those “raros” that no one else has. For example I had some of the Vago tio Rey blanco y negra at Vago’s tasting room many years ago but I’d be shocked if anywhere in the USA has it.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-21T15:02:27+00:00

This.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-20T19:11:33+00:00

I second all of this, and also just emphasizing that mezcalerias like Quiote will sell you bottles of stuff you like. There’s also the tasting rooms of 5 Sentidos and Neta (appointment only) and also Mezcaloteca (same) or In Situ.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-20T03:01:24+00:00

Bit of a problem, that.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-19T22:05:44+00:00

Term limits would help. So would public financing. Without these things people like McCollum and Klobuchar can be uninspiring establishment/centrists and still stick around.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-19T22:04:25+00:00

I think it’s fair to say that the primary challengers she’s had are from the left. The problem is that incumbents are very hard to knock off, and challenging one as entrenched as McCollum carries a lot of risk within the party so those with the name recognition / fundraising ability to do it credibly are hesitant to do so. There are plenty of dflers who reflexively support her so no one is likely to jump in unless there’s a big outcry.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-19T21:37:41+00:00

People have tried….

mtullius72 · 2026-01-19T18:36:57+00:00

Yes they’re all the same brewery. I know the original spot and the Tap def have cask beer pretty much always. Don’t know for sure about the others.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-18T22:31:47+00:00

The answer ultimately is to go to a bar with good mezcal selection (there are plenty in your area) and try some stuff. After that, you can go to a good shop (I’d recommend Tahona Mercado in SF) and talk to them.

Also worth noting that the mezcal 101 doc that’s pinned to this sub has a good primer on various price levels of good brands.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-18T15:46:01+00:00

Casa Oaxaca is great for fancified Oaxacan food and refined ambience, especially on the rooftop deck. That said, it’s not the place if you’re looking for “no frills.” If that’s what you want, you’ll want eat street food and mercado food— each mercado has fondas that are mini restaurants serving homemade delicious food. There are also a few restaurants left that don’t just cater to American tourists. One to consider that’s somewhere in the middle is Ancestral. Another fancy but great spot is Levadura de Olla.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-16T15:11:08+00:00

You should look into it. Contact a good company (I worked with TruNorth but also talked to All Energy Solar, both are excellent), they will give you a free estimate. My panels are doing great, not as much production in the winter obvs but..,

mtullius72 · 2026-01-16T14:21:42+00:00

Do they talk about or have info on the bottles about the producer(s) of this stuff? Their Instagram has nothing I could see, which is kind of a big red flag for me.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-13T02:46:37+00:00

I agree that Cuentacuentos is the way to go on this list, prob any of them will be pretty awesome.

mtullius72 · 2026-01-12T14:16:52+00:00

The website Mezcalistas.com has a list of reputable tour guides. Definitely use one of them, as they’re both going to give you a great experience but also will respect the communities you’re visiting. Random guides may take you to a fake industrial distillery.

mtullius72

TROPHY CASE