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Rio Mezcal Education Class

So you want to know about mezcal?  

You came to the right place.   

My classes are for anyone interested in learning the rich history, fascinating process and (most importantly) the delicious and complex flavor of North America's first intoxicating liquor.  Whether you are new to tequila and mezcal or have been drinking it for years, my classes offer a unique experience specifically designed to cultivate a greater appreciation for all agave distillates.

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A rare experience, even in Mexico.

The truth is, classes like this are difficult to find even across the border. I have had a rare opportunity to live and work in Mexico at the beautiful Verana resort in the hills of Yelapa, MX, a place so remote there are no roads to get to it. My position as bar director for the Verana required me to give classes on mezcal and tequila for the guests of the resort. 

So, as you can imagine, I had to educate myself on the subject quite quickly.

Luckily, Yelapa is in Jalisco, the heart of tequila country, so I had many opportunities to tour agave fields, distilleries and mezcalerias. 

In the course of one year I must have tasted thousands of different mezcals and tequilas. It was difficult, but the research had to be done! 

In my studies I was blessed to converse with mezcaleros from large distilleries like Herradura, Cuervo and Sauza, as well as small mezcal operations that sell their products from their homes and serve it in repurposed plastic water bottles. These were some of the best mezcals I've tasted.

Through these unique experiences I developed a great love and passion for agave liquors. The more I learned of agave and its relevance to Mexican culture, the better agave distillates tasted to me and I guarantee the same will happen to you. I've been giving these classes for years now and I think I can say without hyperbole that I've never had a dissatisfied customer.

It's the perfect combination of education and intoxication.

What a class entails


With all classes I take you through the history and process of agave distillates and introduce you to the traditional compliments enjoyed with mezcal such as rare spices, fruit and traditional drinks. You'll taste twelve different mezcals starting with all the stages of tequila and when your pallet is fully prepared we'll go through seven different mezcals covering a wide variety of regions, processes and agaves. While you sip on these rare liquors you'll learn the cultural relevance of the Agave plant to Mexican culture and mezcal's roots in Pre-Hispanic history. We'll discuss the process of cultivating agave and distilling liquor from it and you'll even get to taste some rare tequilas and mezcals not yet available in the United States. These I have to bring back from my travels in Mexico.  


This is a rare experience, and I can bring it all to you for any gathering you're putting on. I have presented these classes for groups as small as two to groups as large as thirty for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, business related team building events and just everyday celebrations for those interested in learning and drinking. It's a perfect gift for the seasoned tequila drinker or just a curious novice. 

My schedule is flexible so I can set up a class anytime you need one. Classes run about two hours. If you have any special requirements just let me know what you need.  I can be reached at riomezcal@gmail.com or call me at 434-242-9809


Rio Mezcal Ed. Class   $75 Per Taster

With the complete two hour class you'll taste twelve different tequilas and mezcals.  Traditional accompaniments included and I provide everything needed. 

Preparation Expenses       $150

Travel Expenses                 Varies

Preparation fees apply for classes outside of my restaurant, The Bebedero. Travel fees are calculated based on distance and expenses. 

Classes Through The Bebedero

$75 Per Taster

You can also sign up for classes through my restaurant, The Bebedero. By hosting the classes at the restaurant I eliminate the extra expenses of preparation and travel and after the class you're welcome to enjoy dinner and drinks. TheBebedero.com

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