Top Shelf

Why This Agave Expert Says to Avoid Smoky Mezcal

Don’t like mezcal? There’s a good chance what you’ve been drinking has just been bad. Plus: a decadent amaro and bourbon cocktail recipe for spring

John Douglass of Pretty Decent bar in Louisville, Kentucky.Photographer: Andrew Hyslop

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By Kara Newman

April 2, 2026 at 9:45 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Kara Newman, your spirits and cocktail guide here, with a provocative POV on what makes for great (and not-so-great) mezcal. I’m also cracking open a new amaro made with … wait for it … heirloom squash! And sharing a spring-worthy strawberry cocktail recipe.

But first, a quick note: the Top Shelf newsletter is heading off into the sunset, and this will be your last missive from me. The best part of the past 2½ years has been connecting with all you Society members. I’ve enjoyed hearing your memories (and hot takes!) about certain bottles and cocktails, and tracking down drink recipes for you. A particular treat was meeting a Top Shelf reader who came to the launch of my Cocktail Cabinet recipe deck series (just published up: rum and low- and no-alcohol recipes.)