Sample rare mezcal at Party Bar in downtown Eugene August 10, in a Rare Mezcal Tasting Class. It is taught by Charlottesville, Virginia, restaurateur River Hawkins, who is one of the world’s leading experts on the spirits. Both mezcal and tequila are made from agave — a succulent native to dry arid regions of Mexico and the desert Southwest — but while tequila is only made from blue Weber agave in specific regions, mezcal can be made from various types of agave, with certain traditional, smoky methods. Hawkins tells Eugene Weekly in an email that guests will taste about a dozen different spirits over two hours, along with traditional spices and fruits, “to cleanse the palate and excite the taste buds. I take people through a tasting journey beginning with some of the first flavors in m

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