Author Meets Critics: Divided Spirits: Tequila, Mezcal and the Politics of Production
Résumé
Divided Spirits: Tequila, Mezcal, and the Politics of Production tells the stories of tequila and mezcal, two of Mexico’s most iconic products. Tequila and mezcal are both protected by denominations of origin (DOs), legal designations that aim to guarantee a product’s authenticity based on its link to terroir. Advocates argue that the DOs expand market opportunities, protect cultural heritage, and ensure the reputation of Mexico’s national spirits. Yet this book shows how the institutions that are supposed to guard “the legacy of all Mexicans” often fail those who are most in need of protection: the small producers, agave farmers, and other workers who have been making tequila and mezcal for generations. The consequences—for the quality and taste of tequila and mezcal, and for communities throughout Mexico—are stark. During this author meets critics session, we will discuss these products and explore the paradoxes behind institutional protection.