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 to conflicts between mezcal producers/marketers and authorities. Niki and Félix discuss the long history of prohibition, corruption, and high taxes. Faced with these phenomena, there were different unions between the mezcal workers who raised their voices to mitigate the persecution.

Learn more about this episode of The Nectar Corridor at www.whetstoneradio.com, on IG and Twitter at @whetstoneradio, and YouTube at /WhetstoneRadio.

In this episode of The Nectar Corridor, Niki talks to:

• Félix Monterrosa, traditional producer and founder of mezcalería Cuish @mezcalescuish, a society that reunites rural producers who are dedicated to the production and marketing of traditional mezcal from various regions and varieties of Oaxaca.

Episode highlights:

Mezcal tradition

• Monterrosa family history

• Mezcal trade routes in Oaxaca in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

• The rise of mezcal in outlets “expendios”

Fiscalization and licenses in the 70s

• Licenses to mezcal transportation

• Harassment of mezcaleros by prosecutors

• Stories of persecution and resistance to authority

• Mezcaleros resistance movement against prosecutors and corruption

Mezcal sale in “expendios” (mezcal front stores or outlets)

• Craft bottles

• Bulk sale in stores

• Pitchers and associated pictorial culture

The period known as “Adulteration”

• In which years did it happen?

• What was the adulteration? What effects did it have?

• Discredit of mezcal

Mezcal producers Asociation (Unión de Palenqueros)

• Cornelio Monterrosa and other maestros who integrated its assemblies

• Activities and discussions in the assemblies

  
  
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