In this episode, we explore two maps: one on the diversity of agave and mezcal traditions throughout Mexico (created, among others, by Jorge Larson Guerra) and the other on the productive regions of Oaxaca and their local maguey/agave (created by Rion Toal).

Both perspectives help us develop a better understanding of the great richness of mezcal, agave, landscapes, and traditions in Oaxaca and Mexico as a whole.

We'd like to invite you to follow the maps while listening to the episode:

Jorge Larson's map: www.bit.ly/larsonmap

The Rion Toal Map: www.bit.ly/rionmap

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:

• Jorge Larson Guerra, Coordinator of Planning for the Use of Biodiversity of the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO). He was in charge of coordinating the group of experts behind the famous map called “Mezcales and Diversity”.

• Rion Toal is a member of the Association “Maestros del Mezcal” and he also distributes traditional mezcals under his brand Spine and Vine @ofspineandvine Rion created a widely known map of the different mezcal-producing regions in Oaxaca.

Episode Highlights:

Mezcales and Diversity Map

• CONABIO

• Diversity of biological resources

• Research for the Mezcales and Diversity map 

• Maguey classification

Mezcal today

• Strategies for mezcal producers

• Collaboration networks with mezcal producers

• Mezcal appellations/denominations of origin 

• Mezcal Regulatory Council (CRM)

• Certifications

• Mezcal government control 

• The future of mezcal

Map of the mezcal producing Regions in Oaxaca

• The Association Maestros del Mezcal (Mezcal´s masters)

• Diversity of magueyes (agaves) and cultures in Oaxaca

• Tour of the map of Mezcal-producing Regions in Oaxaca

• Classification of the region by production method and flavor of the mezcal

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