The Essential Tequila & Mezcal Companion: How to Select, Collect & Savor Agave Spirits - A Cocktail Book

A must for any Tequila lover!

What stands out immediately about Tess Rose Lampert’s superlative new book is the obvious amount of on-the-ground research she did to breathe life into the narrative. The Essential Tequila & Mezcal Companion addresses the most salient topics about Mexico’s agave-based spirits that have meaning for a 2023 audience. Lampert’s product reviews are insightful and clinical, displaying her unrivaled comprehension, seasoned palate, and passion for agave distillates. The chapter on agave-based cocktails is a revelation of mixology creativity. Whether one is a veteran tequila and mezcal aficionado or an intrigued neophyte, The Essential Tequila & Mezcal Companion is the go-to source for straightforward information on this fast-evolving beverage alcohol subject, a subject whose history and pedigree come to life through the eyes and words of its most respected authority.

This is a seriously necessary book for anyone interested in agave spirits, be it Tequila, Mezcal, Bacanora or Raicilla. Tess breaks down the information into easily digestible bites, from basic information like production to how to read labels. Plus, she brings her breadth of experience and knowledge when it comes to tasting and flavors and walks you through how to smell, taste and experience agave spirits. As if that isn't enough, there is a ton of brand information as well as cocktail recipes that explain the why of the flavors and spirits used in the recipes AND a glossary of terms. So good!

For devotees of Tequila and Mezcal, for those not yet well-informed, for those interested in a travelogue through tequila country and for mixologists!!!

Wanna learn more about agave spirits & Mezcal, then you should add this book to your library!

This is a beautiful book and an incredible resource for both the serious and casual reader. Not only do the photographs convey the richness of the history and culture that has brought Mezcal and Tequila to the world, but the author is highly sensitive to the environmental and cultural sustainability issues that the recent rise in popularity creates. No detail is overlooked, from how to savor these beverages and organize tastings, to specific listings that allow the reader to purchase the best spirit for their tastes and budget.

This book is in serious need of an editor. I first formed that opinion due to some repetitive, awkward sentence structure and redundant chapter organization. However, the map of Mexico she includes really takes the cake. I noticed Oaxaca seemed to be way too far North, so I looked up a map of Mexican states and hers is almost completely incorrect! By my count she only has 2 of the 10 correct. If I were Lampert, a self acclaimed agave educator and Mexico appreciator, I would be humiliated to have put out this book. Besides the outright errors and mediocre writing, I was also annoyed she included her own ratings for only tequila and not mezcal, which is half the reason I bought this book. Her excuse is that mezcal is so diverse “there are flavors and techniques that are hyper local and unfamiliar to even the most experienced spirits tasters.” Prospective bottle buyers can’t taste everything, so it would be nice to have even the subjective rating of an “expert” as a starting point. It’s a shame, because there is some good information here, and beautiful photography. The book may be worth keeping for the compendium of tasting notes, if I can verify that her palate agrees with my own. Nevertheless I won’t recommend the book because Lambert either (a) doesn't know Oaxaca from Nebraska or (b) mailed in this effort.

This is hands-down the best agave spirits book I’ve ever read. As a bar professional, I use it as a resource often, but I’d recommend this for casual drinkers and anyone interested in an introduction to all things agave.