The Roosevelt Room's Master Class Series - Mezcal & other Mexican Spirits

For centuries, the Agave plant (known as “Maguey”) has been revered by the people of Mexico as one of Mother Earth’s most bountiful resources. With over 400 total species known to exist worldwide, it has been utilized for everything from needles & thread for clothing, rope, roofing, kindling, floss, and of course - producing some of the world’s greatest spirits!

Join us for an exploration into the celebrated Agave plant, its many various species, and the celebrated spirits produced from it in every corner of Mexico. Attendees will learn about the predominant styles of Agave Spirits (including Mezcal, Bacanora, Raicilla, and more), where and how they’re produced throughout Mexico, how those factors influence what’s in the glass, and what makes each so beautifully unique.

Attendees will get to enjoy innovative mezcal cocktails and a flight of eleven noteworthy Mexican spirits - all of which have been hand-selected by our in-house experts - while learning about the fundamentals of nosing and tasting, discussing the predominant flavor characteristics of each spirit type and style, their subtle and not-so-subtle nuances, and what to look for in agave spirits of superior quality. At the end of the course, you’ll feel like a certified Mezcal connoisseur!

Attendees must be 21 years of age. Class promptly begins at 12pm and concludes at 2:30pm. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at the beginning of the course. Guests are encouraged to stick around after the course concludes to enjoy our Sunday Happy Hour service at 3pm!

Topics Covered:

• The significance of the Agave plant in ancient Aztec culture.
• A history of Agave’s utilization in fermented beverages and spirits.
• The predominant types of Mezcal and other agave spirits, production techniques from harvest to distillation, and the trademark qualities of each type.
• How terroir (“terruño” in Spanish) plays a significant role in the quality and flavor of the final product.
• How to properly taste and identify the subtle nuances of different agave spirits.

Spirits featured in the Tasting:
1. Espadín Mezcal
2. Tepextate Mezcal
3. Tobala Mezcal
4. Pechuga Mezcal
5. Bacanora
6. Raicilla
7. Sotol
8. Aguardiente
9. Charanda
10. Pox
11. Mexican Whiskey
12. Mexican Gin