Clayton J. Szczech has been studying and teaching about Mexican alcoholic beverages since 2006. He has operated the groundbreaking educational tour company Experience Agave since 2008. He co-founded La Cata, the first brand-independent tasting room in Tequila, Jalisco, in 2016. He has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Sunset, The Guardian, AFAR, Wine Enthusiast, Virtuoso Life, on CNN en Espanol and Amazon s Distilling Mexico. He holds numerous certifications related to tequila and mezcal and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Utah. His academic work focuses on the socioeconomic and environmental outcomes of Geographical Indication regimes, with an emphasis on Mexico.
Szczech leaves no stone unturned in this comprehensive guide to Mexico’s most celebrated agave spirit. From his expert explanations of the nuts and bolts of production to his thoughtful exploration of industry trends and debunking of myths, he distills his knowledge and experience into an enjoyable read. A Field Guide to Tequila is a valuable resource for the serious agave enthusiast and the casual dabbler alike.—Emma Janzen, Author of Mezcal: The History, Craft and Cocktails of the World's Ultimate Artisanal Spirit, and co-author of The Way of the Cocktail and The Bartender's Manifesto A Field Guide to Tequila offers a profound yet accessible dive into the world of tequila. This much-anticipated book is replete with rich historical and cultural detail and offers fresh perspectives on tequila marketing, regulatory policies, and environmental concerns. Szczech’s close attention to the people and communities shaping, and shaped by, tequila sets his writing apart. A Field Guide to Tequila will be an invaluable resource for aficionados and novices alike.—Dr. Marie Sarita Gaytán, author of ¡Tequila!: Distilling the Spirit of Mexico Szczech deftly navigates a vast landscape of information and presents it in a way that’s rich with detail yet easy to understand. A definitive book on not only the spirit itself, but the stories of the people and the place that make tequila so special.—Jeffrey Morgenthaler, author of The Bar Book and Drinking Distilled