The Art of Agave

By Jennifer English, Editor at Large, PR%F Magazine, and Aakash Patel, Founder of The Mezcal Hotels

Photos property of The Agave Spirits Institute.

The Agave Spirits Institute is an educational organization focused on introducing and training hospitality professionals (and passionate amateurs) with a foundational understanding of all agave spirits. Founded in 2020, the organization has quickly become an industry leader in the instruction and certification of agave spirits expertise.

The Institute offers various tiers of educational and professional development courses ranging from Introductory Kits for those new to the category to Level One and Level Two certifications for individuals looking for more advanced knowledge and industry recognition. The courses contain information on Agave Spirits topics including, but not limited to, Identification and Grading, Cooking, Chemistry, and Distillation.

Which Agave Spirits? Beyond the familiar Tequila, The Introductory Course Kit comes complete with samples of the world's most prized representations of Mezcal, Sotol, Raicilla, Bacanora Comiteco, and Tuxca (pronounced Toosh-Ka). Each spirit is produced from one of their Denomination of Origin (D.O.) region's esteemed producers and typifies the character and essence of each different expression. You are in for a revelation if you have never tried a Sotol D.O. or a Bacanora from the Bacanora D.O.

The D.O. is a regulated designation implemented to protect the geographical status and the specific products produced in a region that carry characteristics and elements designated and attributed "of the place." According to the Agave Spirits Institute Introductory Coursebook, the Appellation of Origin is the name of the geographical region that serves to designate a product that originates within it.

According to Guild Certified Senior Wine and Spirits Instructor Oscar A. Montes Iga, co-founder of the Agave Spirits Institute, the important reason for this designation, aside from the assurance of quality, is to "create a tie between the quality and characteristics of the product and the place." Imagine tasting a Mezcal D.O. from Oaxaca, tasting the soul of the place, or the sipping of Sonora, the Northern Mexican region adjacent to Arizona, home of the Agave Heritage Festival and most famous for the Bacanora D.O.

The Institute’s instructors and staff are industry professionals certified in agave spirits' distillation, maturation, and blending. They are dedicated to helping students improve their understanding of the processes and science behind agave spirits. In addition, they provide general advice and guidance to those seeking to launch their own businesses or experiments in the agave spirits business.

According to Professor Oscar A. Montes Iga, MAS and Master of Agave Spirits, the Agave Spirits Institute "is designed for amateurs and professionals alike. Our introductory course allows students to explore the vast world of agave spirits, far beyond mezcal and tequila. Through the 2½ hour course, we’ll explore six different beverages, each with a unique history, production, and taste. Students will leave this course with the tools to better appreciate agave spirits and an urge to keep exploring these vast and diverse drinks."

During the 2023 Agave Heritage Festival, the Introductory Course was offered to a full house of industry professionals and amateurs around the world. I was one of the lucky attendees and can attest to the fascinating Master Class. Professor Oscar Montes Iga is a brilliant teacher who gave every participant valuable insight. As a member of the International Wine & Spirits Guild, a Certified Wine & Spirits Instructor, as well as the Education Team Manager for the Agave Spirits Institute, Professor Montes has significant experience. Educating students about "how to taste" the six different spirits included in the Introductory Kit was illuminating. I am often called upon to be a judge in tastings and competitions, including my role as Lead Judge of the Proof Awards, and I learned so much about tasting.

I gained knowledge about Agave Spirits Tasting specifically from this experience. I highly recommend it to anyone curious or passionate about the wider range of agave spirits and expressions.

The Agave Spirits Institute has several statements and goals that demonstrate its commitment to the industry. Their mission statement focuses on providing the tools and knowledge necessary to help students become better hospitality professionals. The institute also provides the highest quality education available to agave spirits professionals.

Their mission is to recognize the cultural significance of the agave spirits industry in Mexico. We experienced this mission brought to our class. We can join the Agave Spirits Institute alums upon completion and get promoted to Level One. Sign me up!

The Agave Spirits Institute is a great resource for anyone looking to broaden their knowledge and expand their career within the agave spirits sector. Their programs are developed and managed in a way that produces enterprise-level professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to create a career within the agave spirits industry successfully. As Agave Spirits awareness and demand boom worldwide and agave plants are cultivated beyond Mexico, the opportunity to sip and discover new Agave Spirits is just beginning. It is an exciting time indeed.

Ready to do your Introductory Course online or in person?

For readers of PR%F Magazine, the Agave Spirits Institute is offering a 10% discount on the Introductory Course & Bundle.

*Agave Spirits Institute Course Bundle includes: Level 1: Mezcal Specialist

Level 2: Mezcal Sommelier

Level 3: Agave Spirits Advisor

These three courses, when purchased separately cost a total of $1730 and with the regular bundle discount is reduced to $1550. Readers of PR%F Magazine will be offered this bundle at a discounted rate of $1395.

All prices listed are before tax and shipping and the discounts will be valid until July 7, 2023.