"Tree of Wonders” to the ancient inhabitants of modern-day Mexico, agave has many virtues: medicinal, textile, food, and, of course, mezcal! And since 2009, the Koch Group has pioneered the promotion of sustainably produced mezcals made in the artisanal and ancestral styles. On Tuesday, January 7, join us in welcoming wine and spirits specialist Joel Caruso to The Conservatory at Hollywood's Ever Bar for a complimentary tasting of six mezcals—five single varietals and one blend—each a portrait in "liquid art." Then enjoy Koch El Mezcal in a menu of three Custom Cocktails crafted by master bartender Dan Rook and support the Museum's work!
Show up anytime between 7 and 8:30 to ensure seating.
The spirits tasting is FREE with RSVP!
ABOUT JOEL
Joel Caruso is the Los Angeles Market Manager for Chopin Imports. He holds a WSET Level 3 (Advanced) certification in both wine and spirits and has earned the Certified Sommelier qualification from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Drawn to education, Caruso’s journey of professional wine and spirits has effectively intertwined his understanding of wine and spirits education, service, and relationship building into a unique and relatable form of hospitality, teaching, and sales.
He has an extensive background in restaurants and over 20 years of food and beverage experience, working in Fox Restaurant Concepts' Olive & Ivy in Scottsdale, AZ, conducting tastings, training, and cellar management in its Wine Spectator-award-winning program; Pizzeria Ortica in Costa Mesa, creating one of Orange County’s most recognized and rewarded beverage programs during his tenure, receiving several Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence for the wine program, as well as OC Weekly’s Bartender of The Year (2015) and Orange County’s Best Cocktail Program (2016).
After his 15 years in restaurants, Caruso pivoted to focus on a broader consumer base through education, marketing, and sales. In 2017, he was named US Ambassador for the Vivino Wine App and its community of over 35 million users. Across the country, he contributed wine consultation, staff education, and event representation. With this national exposure, Caruso’s expertise was featured in high-profile publications, such as Forbes and Cosmopolitan Online.
Caruso currently serves as the Los Angeles Market Manager with Chopin Imports, overseeing sales and business development in the greater Los Angeles area. He also provides education across the country to consumers and industry professionals for the products in the Chopin portfolio, including Chopin Family Reserve, Gordon & MacPhail, Benromach Speyside Scotch, and Koch el Mezcal.
When he is not enjoying wine and spirits, he is currently working towards a black belt in Kung Fu.
FEATURED POURS
Single-Variety Mezcals
Arroqueño
Espadín Artesanal
Tepeztate
Tobalá
Tobasiche
Ensamble Mezcal
Ensamble 4 Agaves (A blend of Barril, Madrecuishe, Tobasiche, and Espadín )
ABOUT KOCH
The Koch Group was founded in 2009 as a project to promote traditional mezcal, and one year later we became a company. Since the beginning, our main goal is to underline the uniqueness of mezcal and its organoleptic characteristics. Hence the idea that Koch El Mezcal is “liquid art.” Based on continuous educational work, we position ourselves as leaders in the mezcal “single agave” categories, and we are pioneers in the production of blends. Defending and promoting Oaxaca’s multiple terroirs, we work with more than 13 communities and continue to grow.
Our work philosophy is to value traditional skills and knowledge through business practices based on trust, mutual respect, and fair trade. Our main objective is the promotion of sustainable development and the creation of employment in Oaxaca, particularly in areas under economic and social stress. Assuming the challenge of human development of our community, we defend strong social, ecological, and ethical values.
Koch Group has created a portfolio with a line of twenty-five spirits, divided into two categories: “artisanal mezcal” and “ancestral mezcal.” Made from wild and cultivated and semi-cultivated agaves, our spirits reflect and respect the identity of each village. The synergy of all these efforts has consolidated our presence in the domestic market, and we export to more than 15 countries.