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Ever wondered how a Future Farmer of America transitions into a renowned spirits ambassador? Our latest episode features Andrew Calisterio, the West Coast ambassador for Ron Zacapa and George Dickel, who shares his incredible journey from raising cows to mastering the art of mixology. Along the way, Andrew reveals how his early days at Starbucks honed his flavor-identifying skills, setting the stage for his current success in the spirits industry. Join us as we recount tales from a transformative trip to Greece and discuss the nuances of readjusting to daily life back home.

This episode is packed with fascinating insights into the world of hospitality and career transitions. We explore the importance of mastering foundational skills and the evolving culture of the hospitality industry. Hear about innovative practices like carbonating ketchup and the personal challenges and rewards of moving to new cities for career growth. We dive deep into the multifaceted identity of a brand ambassador, as Andrew shares his eclectic interests, from heavy music to dirt bike races, illustrating the value of being a "habitual hobbyist."

But that's not all—we also tackle the evolving local food scene and sustainable innovations in the spirits industry. Discover how unique dining concepts are emerging post-pandemic and the significance of community support for culinary ventures. Learn about eco-friendly practices in the spirits business, like using discarded fruits, and get a glimpse into the most valuable alcohol brands and the surprising growth of Baiju. To top it off, we sprinkle in some cultural recommendations and insights into our online presence and gaming community, ensuring you leave with plenty of new ideas and entertainment to explore.

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What if we told you there's a new vodka made entirely from agave, launching soon? Join us on the Good Bottle Podcast as Chris Sinclair sits down with industry veterans Mitch Wilson and Phil Bayly to unpack the buzz around Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka. Mitch voices his doubts about the necessity of another vodka on store shelves, while Phil makes a compelling case for the unique opportunities agave-based spirits offer. The discussion heats up as they consider the involvement of heavyweights from Patron and Southern Glacier in this venture, diving into the challenges and excitement of bringing agave vodka to market.

Beyond this new vodka, our conversation broadens to the dynamic world of agave spirits. We explore the delicate balance between tradition and the commercial boom of tequila and mezcal. From Patron's evolution to the political hurdles in mezcal certification, and the global proliferation of agave spirits, we leave no stone unturned. We also shed light on the scarcity of mature agave, the rising prices, and the importance of sustainable practices. Get ready for a deep, thought-provoking episode full of industry insights and future trends that will shape the agave spirits market.

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Pouring another round, this episode takes you behind the scenes of the release of "The Tequila Ambassador: Version Originale". We uncover the meticulous efforts to revive Tomas's voice in this new edition, from navigating the hurdles of international collaboration during a pandemic to fleshing out the untold stories that enrich the manuscript. The literary labor of love that Phil, Tomas, and Mitch embarked upon is revealed, illustrating the significance of preserving the true essence of Tomas's vision for the book. We toast to the fruition of this revised text as it stands today—an embodiment of passion, knowledge, and tequila's undeniable cultural impact.

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