In this episode of the Mezcal Buzz Experience Podcast, we sit down with Alberto Ochoa of Firme Mezcal for a deep dive into the realities of building a mezcal brand in today’s changing industry.From navigating festivals and brand activations to the rise of RTDs (ready-to-drink cocktails), shifting consumer trends, and the challenges of importing mezcal into the U.S.—this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed in the agave spirits world.We also get into:The importance of community & culture in mezcalHow education is shaping the future of agave spiritsWhat’s next for Firme Mezcal in 2026And of course… we taste some incredible mezcal along the way 🥃If you’re passionate about mezcal, agave spirits, or building a brand in this space—this episode is for you.

👉 Watch more interviews like this:https://mezcalbuzz.com🎥 Produced by Mezcal BuzzINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mezcalbuzz/​

In this episode of the Mezcal Buzz Experience, Marco Gutierrez and Jack Oles welcome Joseph Solis, founder of Maison Solis, for a truly unique conversation at the intersection of mezcal, fragrance, cocktail culture, and luxury craft.Joseph shares his journey from growing up in a large Mexican-Filipino family in Watsonville, California, to building a lifestyle brand rooted in hospitality, storytelling, and agave culture. With over 25 years in wine and spirits, Joseph now brings a fresh perspective to the agave world through Maison Solis — a luxury lifestyle brand featuring handcrafted barware and the world’s first fragrance house inspired by agave spirits, including tequila and mezcal.In this episode, we taste mezcal from Prolijo, HonoriAmor, Marcos Brena and more while diving into:The cultural connection between Filipino distillation and mezcal historyHow fragrance and spirits share the same language of memory, aroma, and emotionWhat it means to build a sensory experience around mezcal and perfumeJoseph’s handcrafted Maison Solis bar tools made in MichoacánA special mezcal cocktail pairing inspired by his mezcal fragranceIf you love mezcal, agave spirits, cocktail culture, fragrance, or creative storytelling rooted in heritage — this episode is for you.Special offer from Joseph Solis:Use code MEZCALBUZZ20 for 20% off fragrances at Maison Solis for a limited time.Explore Maison Solis:https://www.maisonsolis.com/

The Mezcal Buzz Experience is back and evolving! In this kickoff to 2026, host Marco welcomes new official co-host Jack Ole to the mic. They reflect on their year of growth - from garage mezcal tastings to podcast interviews at major events - and set their vision for the future. Expect more community voices, mixology exploration, and authentic mezcal storytelling.Plus: they each shake up a mezcal-based cocktail and sip on some delicious bottles, including HonoriAmor Mexicano and Bozal’s Borrego ensamble.🎙️ Whether you're mezcal curious or a seasoned sipper, this episode dives deep into community, craft, collaboration, and what's next.🪅 Check out mezcalbuzz.com for glassware, apparel, and to join the community.🍹 Want to be a guest? Reach out—let’s collaborate!

In this episode of the Mezcal Buzz Experience, we sit down with Alberto Ochoa, founder of Mezcal FIRME, a brand rooted in Chicano culture, family values, and bold agave expressions. Alberto shares the origin story behind FIRME, his unique partnership with Maestro Mezcalero Jorge Aaron Mendez, and how the brand continues to evolve.We taste multiple standout expressions, including a Tobalá-Espadín Ensamble, Tepeztate, and the fan-favorite abocado con Mandarina & Cempasúchil (Marigold) batch. Plus, Alberto shares unreleased experimental creations like abocado con Mole Negro and pechuga of Wild Rabbit made in a 5-gallon still during late-night Oaxaca sessions.This episode is packed with stories of collaboration, authenticity, gatekeeping in the mezcal world, and why building community matters just as much as making great mezcal.📍 Follow Mezcal Firme: @firmemezcal🌟 Learn more at: https://firmemezcal.com🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes that tell the real story of agave spirits.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mezcalbuzz/​

In this episode of the Mezcal Buzz Experience, we sit down with visual artist and Mexican-American creative Eric Mancha, whose journey from Eagle Pass, Texas to Beverly Hills art galleries has been nothing short of inspiring. Eric shares how mezcal helped shape a turning point in his creative path, what it meant to paint the official artwork for Mezcal Por Siempre, and how agave symbolizes sacrifice, culture, and identity.We sip multiple traditional agave spirits—tequila from Cascahuín, mezcal from Oaxaca’s Chontal region, and wild Tepeztate—and explore how aroma, memory, and heritage tie deeply into the art of both spirits and storytelling.🌟 All proceeds from Eric's painting go to Cielo Organization, supporting migrant and Indigenous communities.📸 Follow Eric Mancha on Instagram: @manchastudio🎨 Learn more about Mezcal Por Siempre Festival: @mezcalporsiempre📍Location: Mezcal Buzz HQ, Los Angeles

Salud Amigos Fest 2025 – the ultimate tequila & mezcal celebration happening at Thunder Studios, Long Beach, CA!In this episode of The Mezcal Buzz Experience, we sit down with Pepe, the event organizer, to give you an exclusive preview:✅ Special Release Tequilas & Mezcales✅ Maestros & Maestras Tequileras sharing their craft✅ Immersive Experiences that transport you to the tequila regions of Mexico✅ Guest Bartenders & Signature Cocktails✅ And so much more!🔥 Plus, Mezcal Buzz was LIVE at the event hosting the Media Corner, interviewing industry icons, brand reps, and creators.

In this episode of the Mezcal Buzz Experience, we sit down with Rocio Flores, aka @mezcalting a true veterana of the traditional mezcal world. From her first sip with her grandfather in southern Jalisco to opening a groundbreaking mezcalería and help founding Mezcal Por Siempre, Rocio shares a deep and inspiring journey through agave culture, education, and resistance to commercialization.We taste through multiple agave spirits including Bacanora from La Mata, Papalometl from Puebla, and a Quish Espadín, while diving into the stories behind producers, land regeneration, and the preservation of mezcal campesino.

In this episode of Mezcal Buzz Experience, we welcome Rey David García from Cántaro Chumpeate Mezcal. Rey shares his family's incredible mezcal heritage spanning four generations in San Luis Amatlán, Oaxaca. We dive into the traditional production methods, the story behind their special agaves like Espadín, Madrecuixe, Tobalá, and Verde, and how Cántaro Chumpeate Mezcal stays true to its artisanal roots while respecting nature. Join us as we taste and explore their beautiful mezcales and hear Rey David’s inspiring journey of representing his family's legacy with pride.