As a reader of this newsletter, you’re probably able to make the connection between a picture of candles and mezcal. But there is likely a lot more that you don’t know. As Anna Bruce writes in her story about these candle holders:

“The veladora is a clear glass with straight, ribbed sides. As light passes through it, luminous rays fan out from your hand, like the sun shining through clouds at sunset. It has a circular base, commonly featuring the imprint of a cross. The cross connects us with the spiritual heritage of these glasses, which still hold votive (prayer) candles in Catholic churches and home altars across Mexico. But in Mexico, votives are more than just a source of light; the candles  are powerful symbols that bridge the past and present, the physical and spiritual worlds, and connect communities through shared traditions and faith. Most veladoras hold a white candle symbolizing purity and hope.”

It’s a fascinating read, and honestly not something you’d read anywhere else –certainly not in this day of click driven media. Similarly, we’ve got acclaimed author Clayton Szczech’s review of Vino de Cocos by Paulina Machuca. It is a groundbreaking book that details the role of Filipino sailors bringing distillation to Mexico and is also not something you're likely to read elsewhere.

And that leads me to this, a simple ask for your support.

In 2025, we published 102 original stories that got in depth about everything from the current state of pulque to the role of mezcal in the Mexican Revolution. All these stories required research and quotable sources which, of course, stem from time and money. They were also stories you weren’t likely to read elsewhere. As an independent media publication, we are able to publish what we want. We aren’t beholden to corporate or government interests. Nor do we need to be concerned about advertising dollars because we have remained ad free since we began in 2012.

Last January we published a story that initiated an international conversation about adulteration in the tequila industry. It was an article that was originally slated to be published at a bigger outlet–but at the last minute, they pulled the plug, after it had been edited and fully vetted. It opened the door to further allegations and lawsuits and remains one of our all-time most read pieces. We have continued to follow this story, and remain the only US publication to have done in-depth on-the-ground reporting on the subject. We were able to publish this saga because we were not worried about any loss of corporate support through advertising or other revenue channels.

Producing original content is expensive. While Mexico in a Bottle has underwritten the cost of running Mezcalistas, times are tough in the world of media, especially since the publication does not generate revenue for all of the above mentioned reasons. We operate it because we believe that there are people out there who love the culture of agave spirits, love to read, and have a boundless curiosity. If that describes you, we ask for your support so we can start the year with a fully funded operation. If each of our newsletter subscribers gave just $10, Mezcalistas would be funded for the next 18 months with wiggle room to grow. $10— that’s two coffees or a beer for a year’s plus worth of great stories that are so worth writing about. Let’s make this happen.

Saludos,

Susan

MEZCAL EVENTS

• Mexico in a Bottle 2026 save the dates:

  • March 23rd, Washington, DC (tickets on sale next week!)

  • April 11th, Tucson (in partnership with Agave Heritage Festival)

  • April 26th, Chicago

  • October 4th, San Diego

  • November 8th, San Francisco

• February 7th, Bowl of ‘Zole, Boston