CLUB MEZCAL

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Mezcal, a distilled beverage from the agave plant and originally from Mexico, has become, in recent years, the favorite distilled spirit for gastronomy lovers around the world.

That is why, in 2021, Club Mezcal was born as a platform to promote the culture of mezcal on our Island through tastings, pairings, and collaborations with local chefs. However, with the objective of taking mezcal education to the next level, in June of this year, the founders decided to take the step of evolving the concept into a physical space within the Lote 23 gastronomic park in Santurce.

"For more than two years, we have been able to connect with mezcal lovers and foodies who want to learn more about the mysticism of this spirit native to Mexico. At the same time, we have seen how the mezcal and tequila categories have taken on more prominence in the offerings of bars and restaurants and the number of brands that continue to arrive in Puerto Rico," said Paul González, founder of Club Mezcal.

The evolution of Club Mezcal has been possible with the support of Jump All In! by Lote 23, an incubator program for businesses in the gastronomic industry that promotes the expansion and growth of culinary entrepreneurs.

Club Mezcal has a curated menu focused on agave distillates. Foodies can have the opportunity to enjoy over 35 labels of mezcals and tequilas, curated 'flights' to expand the palate, and several signature cocktails made to pay tribute to mezcal and tequila while complementing tropical flavors and ingredients that pair perfectly with the attributes of the spirit. As part of the Club Mezcal philosophy, all cups and straws are made with residual material from tequila production.

"This Mezcalería is much more than a bar, it is an inclusive educational space that represents my love for gastronomy, for Mexico, and for agave distillates. What we intend to create in the space is to foster the mezcal category on the island so that more Puerto Ricans know about its history and diversity, while also offering an alternative when it comes to enjoying a cocktail experience," said González, who is also a certified bartender.

Among the cocktails offered at the kiosk, there are two varieties of the traditional margarita: one of them contains pineapple tepache, and the other has hibiscus tea made by local company Alou The. They also have a tribute to the traditional Piña Colada, a classic cocktail made with mezcal called the Oaxaca Mule, and the star of the house, Espíritu de Limón, which contains a mixture of ginger, turmeric, green apples, lime, and other ingredients that will put a smile in your heart.

“For us, Club Mezcal is an atypical bar that allows foodies the opportunity to try something new on each visit. Sharing our passion for gastronomy helps us innovate and contribute to the economy of the vibrant Santurce community,” expressed by Felix Armenteros, partner of Club Mezcal.

If you are interested in learning more about mezcal or are already a fan of this spirit, you can visit Club Mezcal located in the gastronomic park Lote 23 during business hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays and Mondays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. They have free parking, entering through Calle del Parque in Santurce. While visiting the park, you can also enjoy other gastronomic concepts that have debuted in the park while enjoying their tropical and refreshing cocktails.

For more information please visit: www.elclubmezcal.com