Behind every bottle of mezcal steeps a story—of sun-baked fields in Oaxaca, of ancestral knowledge passed through generations, and of a plant that thrives under harsh desert conditions. But beneath the smoky aroma and the artisanal allure lies a critical question: Is your mezcal truly ethically sourced? The New York Times’ recent deep dive into the agave supply chain reveals a complex web of tradition, exploitation, and fragile sustainability.

Understanding the Context

It’s not enough to say ‘locally grown’—the soil, the labor, and the biodiversity all tell a different story.

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