The tireless devotees to mezcal culture at Mezcalistas do an excellent job of describing the process of making mezcal, so I will defer to Susan and company on that front! The agave plant itself is fascinating for me. Here at Catas Chicago, we focus on agaves from across the spectrum, from silvestres – wild plants that grow in the mountains and hills of Oaxaca and beyond – to well tended and cultivated agaves at the many many palenques and small growing areas around Oaxaca. Arroqueño, Espadín, Coyote, Mexicano – just a few of the species we work with!