Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/759555
76 / the tasting panel / december 2016 Ravandi's experience producing organic tequila spans 20 years; it was only natural, then, that his passion for agave would eventually migrate to the growing category of organic mezcal. Ten years of exploration into Mexico's Oaxacan moun- tains allowed him to glean the artisanal process from master mezcaleros. "The joy of expanding my knowledge about their history, the agave and ancient methods used in producing this smoked agave spirit became the platform and ultimate inspira- tion for producing Cráneo Organic Mezcal," he explains. The spirits tasting was followed by a five-course dinner for which Ravandi collaborated with Oyamel's Chef Omar Rodriguez, whose creativity and pairing sensibility he says are in line with 123 Spirits' philosophy. The menu highlighted 123 Spirits founder and CEO David Ravandi with Mary Hoernig at the launch of the distillery's newest brand, Cráneo Organic Mezcal.