5 + José María Dondé Rangel
/ There is always a mezcal for everybody
José María or Chema as he is known came by to share his particular perspective working within the mezcal and agave spirits industry. Until recently, Chema had been behind the bar at Cosme (the Mexican fine dining restaurant created by chef’s Enrique Olvera and Daniela Soto-Innes) educating and converting his guests into mezcal enthusiasts. This conversation will be of particular interest to those of you working behind the bar because Chema explains how he introduces mezcal to his guests. He stresses the responsibility of the bartender to help to educate their guests and gives some great advice on how not to overwhelm them and instead entice them to want to learn more. We discuss what it means to farm semi-cultivated agave and he stresses the cultural aspect of celebration and agave distillates.
Chema is also the force behind Panorama Mezcal. A project he created 5 years ago to promote Mexican culture and spirits. Panorama produces events that focus on Agave distillates, some are parties like Bartender Legion which highlights selected bartenders showing off their skills while dancing the night away. Mezcal Night is an evening where 30+ brands come together under one roof for an amazing tasting extravaganza and specialized educational seminars.
José María Dondé Rangel was born and raised in Mexico City. He recently relocated to Miami after living in NYC for over a decade. He has worked in the industry for 12 years starting as a busboy and moving up the ladder to bartender, bar consultant and Mexican Spirits Curator specializing in all things mezcal. He is the founder or Panorama Mezcal and an Agave Advocate.
@panoramamezcal
Panorama Mezcal Facebook
@cosmenyc
@mezcalmarcanegra
Images of topics discussed in this episode can be found at TUYO NYC
 
¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits.
¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC
Music: Milagro Verde
Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta
Editor: Brittany Prater