Eduardo "Lalo" González has a rich history steeped in Tequila. His family created the brand Don Julio and revolutionized the use of whiskey casks to elevate premium categories of Tequila. Lalo Tequila found its roots in Austin, TX and fully took the industry by storm just as the world started to open up again. With a dedication to clarity and the purity of agave Tequilana, Lalo Tequila embraces the beauty of the soil and materials. And to even further heighten the dedication to flavor and expressiveness, Lalo has just released a new high proof Blanco at 54% abv. The balance, intensity, and softness is impressive. The limited edition bottling is available now. Lalo and I talk about ideating, expectations, using fancy pens, and more.

Gustavo Oyarzun is an immensely thoughtful person. From creating culinary/cocktail salts (via Art of Drink) to imagining entirely new bar experiences, he uses a deeply pensive and aesthetic driven perspective to innovate in the cocktail industry. As we all sought connectivity during COVID quarantine, Gustavo chose to take his bartending skills to the people in a fun and mobile way. The traveling cocktail concept turned into Visitant Social Club and this move to Austin unleashed yet another innovative concept that has just taken the city by storm, Traveler's Lounge. We chat corn, mezcal, instinct, and architecture.

Ninotchka Gandula, or as she's fondly known, Nino, is the national brand ambassador for Ojo de Tiger. The beautiful mezcal that mixes production from both Oaxaca and Puebla is yet another creation from the innovative team at Casa Lumbre. Nino grew up in Puerto Rico and remains one of the most respected voices in hospitality as she carries her Boricua love of others. She continues to earn and evolve as a leader and brand ambassador. As the rise of N/A spirits continues, Almave, the blue agave alternative, will bring new conversations and opportunities as Nino's role expands. We talk about travel, boundaries, and calling it an early night.

As a native of Guadalajara, Victor Diaz has been surrounded by Tequila his own life. He has followed business ideas, and his innate tenacity gives him a drive like no other. After a fateful move to Austin Tx, he entered the hospitality industry at the legendary Maudie's TexMex restaurant. Here, whilst building relationships with patrons and fellow hospitality workers alike, the concept of Carabuena Tequila was born. Now, time has passed and the brand is growing at a meteoric pace. It sounds like the perfect time to release a Reposado and Añejo. We chat love, creativity, persistence, and more.

Dalton Kreiss is an athletic, solitary, and driven midwestern guy. He's always pursued ideas for businesses and ways to add value to those around him. After studies abroad, a new sense of entrepreneurship was born. However, in which direction and for whom remained a question. Years later, the subscription service Maguey Melate was founded. Just before a behemoth of a mezcal tasting, we sit down and chat about Michael Jordan, being new to Mexico, teamwork and more.

Carolyn Gil has a rich history in the hospitality industry. Not only has her family been foundational in the cocktail movement of NYC, but they have had their hands in some of world's most influential spots. Carolyn was in a sense, born into hospitality. Doing prep at a young age, her youth was steeped in bar culture. It was no surprise that she would thrive further as she grew older. With deep familial roots, a love of food, and deep connection to Mexican culture, she serves fine cocktails and always meets you with a smile. We chat Puebla, Dalí, talking about oneself, and more.

Darrin Commerford has midwest sensibilities and an inviting smile. Whether capturing the action of others, or venturing onto the hiking trails of the world, Darrin embodies hospitality. You're certain to find him slinging a drink, or snapping a perfectly framed photo. But you'll never find him in a state of rest. After a meaningful chapter with Angel's Envy, he leaves Austin, TX to pursue his most creative role yet with Patron Tequila. We chat candy, art, Russian travels, and the misconceptions of trail hiking.

Houston native Rich Bailey has embraced kindness, openness, and a steady journey into self-empowerment. What at first was a path leading into practicing psychology soon turned into a path about self exploration. Years and many bar shifts later, Rich has recently moved to Austin, Tx to begin a new chapter as Bacardi's LGTBQ+ ambassador. The role is a perfect extension of Rich's embracing of diversity and the vacillating identities that we all experience. We chat Japan, Scotch, art, and more.

Houston native Stephen Caronna has worked in every conceivable role in the hospitality industry. A king of content and service, his career trajectory has led him to a gig of a lifetime as Texas market manager for Compass Box whisky. The exploratory and supremely cerebral whisky brand pairs the best of art and flavor in each bottling. There is a catch though, sometimes the perfect marriage of whiskies is only as accessible as a few hundred cases. Stephen never faces a closed door with Compass Box whisky in hand, but how do you have those intricate conversations about blending and scarcity, simply? It takes Stephen's creativity and kindness to start. We talk about documentaries, music, breaking out of your shell, and more.

Dercy Cabrera is a polished student of mezcal and spirits. Her years in distribution and sales made her the perfect person to make Mezcal Rosaluna a household name. With a dedication to health, community, and constant evolution, she embodies hospitality. You are sure to find her waiting right around the corner to fill your copita with a splash of Rosaluna or with tender words of support. We chat bling, family, mourning, and more.

Whether in front of or behind the camera, crafting an elegant cocktail, or competing on a national stage, you'll soon be familiar with the work of Jesus Verde. Although his burgeoning hospitality career is relatively new, he is no stranger to long hours and unflinching work ethic. Originally from Venezuela, his educational voyage brought him to the states where he's cut his teeth with both tech and consumer goods companies alike. A fateful move to Austin to work for one of the biggest tech companies, shifted naturally into the world of hospitality. And now, you can find Jesus lifting others up with his directorial eye or crafting an instantly memorable cocktail at Austin's Here Nor There. We chat naps, divorce, the role of sleep, and more.