18 AUGUST 2019 By Rachael Bouley Mezcal Carreño is a start-up led by two best friends who brought a 100-year-old family recipe for handcrafting the smoky, agave-based liquor mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico to Arizona. Today, Abel Arriaga and Ivan Carreño are on a mission to create a new generation of artisanal mezcal fans in the Valley and beyond. Ivan was born in Oaxaca and moved to Arizona when he was 5 years old, while Abel is a 3rd generation Arizona native, with roots in Guanajuato. After growing up in west Phoenix, the close friends now live on the edge of Arcadia and Biltmore, where they focus on growing the U.S. side of their family artisanal mezcal business. The first shipment of Mezcal Carreño arrived in Phoenix in February 2019. “We use rare agaves that take between 10-25 years to reach maturity in the wild before we begin the production of our mezcal,” Abel said. “Our passion for sharing our story and educating guests on the mezcal agaves, process and people behind it has been our key to our success so far.” Their inspiration to embark on the next chapter of the family business came on a trip to Cancun, when they were eating and drinking Mezcal Carreño with family and friends at a local restaurant. Enjoying the beachside cantina, Abel and Ivan were relishing the work of a mixologist who had just won a cocktail competition and insisted on making a special cocktail using Tobalá-brand mezcal. In a moment he’ll never forget, Abel noticed a beam of light highlighting the cocktail atop the table. “It just happened to be the table we were sitting at and the time of day as the sun was setting,” Abel said. “There was a tiny hole in the palm tree leaf roof across from us that was shooting this sun beam onto the cocktail. It was the sign we needed to bring this moment of family, friends, food and mezcal to Arizona.” Despite Abel and Ivan’s dedication and business acumen, getting it off the ground wasn’t without its challenges. “It was difficult because we didn’t have any industry experience or financial backing like the heavy hitters in the industry,” Abel said. But the two men persevered and now their start-up alcohol brand is booming in Arcadia’s backyard with the support of the community. Places in Arcadia to find Mezcal Carreño include Tarbell’s, CRUjiente Tacos, Buck & Rider, Bar Pesce and Pitch Pizzeria. The spirits will also be offered in a mezcal dinner pairing planned for October with Head Chef Tandy Peterson from Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician. While the future looks bright for their business, Abel and Ivan say they’ll be happy so long as they continue to celebrate their heritage through their work in the hospitality industry. “Our heritage goes back to 1904 when [my] grandfather started making mezcal at Hacienda Carreño. He would enjoy it three times a year; for the planting season, end of the harvest and his birthday,” Abel said. “We love that our mezcal is the family name so we can continue sharing the tradition and culture of Oaxaca with Arizona.” Over the past few years Abel and Ivan have gained compas , or friends, who have diverse backgrounds and visions and are integral to the success of their company. “Working side by side with some of the Valley’s top chefs and mixologists and hearing how they analyze and incorporate our mezcal is fascinating,” Abel said. “Building a brand is fun but building these friendships and relationships is fulfilling in itself.” Abel and Ivan hope to clear up misconceptions surrounding mezcal in Arizona. “Most people think of it as smoky tequila or the one with a worm in the bottle,” Abel said. “Mezcal is the ‘wine of spirits’ with each agave varietal having its own taste, smell and region of Mexico it’s made in, adding to that flavor profile just like wine.” Abel and Ivan are looking to continue building their family business with “Mezcal Monday” education classes, as well as special mezcal dinner events in Phoenix. “We value the importance of teaching how mezcal is made and what gives it so much depth and taste compared to its industrial counterparts,” Abel said. “Luckily, we have tremendous local support treating us like a local product. Our mezcal may be made in Oaxaca, but our roots are here in Arizona, our love for this state and community is evident and people relate and want to support that.” For more: mezcalcarrenous.com. 100-year-old family recipe brings mezcal to Arcadia Abel and Ivan take great pride in continuing the family tradition of creating artisanal mezcal. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEZCAL CARREÑO ASK THE APPRAISERS By Tom Helms The Greater Phoenix area has nearly 20 auction houses to choose from when you’re looking to sell an estate. With many choices comes varying levels of service and professionalism. I urge all my clients to do their research ahead of selecting a broker, because neglecting due diligence can have disastrous results. Auction houses can charge commissions between 35 percent and 45 percent, along with fees for other services such as listing items on the internet, cataloging, pick-ups and sorting. All of these costs eat away at the seller’s net and can often leave them disappointed. The two scenarios I see the most often resulting in angry clients are unfair contracts and long delays in receiving payments. The keys to avoiding these pitfalls are research and tenacity. Here’s what to watch out for: Unfair Contracts: Carefully read the entire printed contract and cross out and initial any contract section that favors only the auction house, such as “when signed” provisions. Do you still own the properties? Or have you signed the properties over to the auction house for them to do with what is best for the house and not for the consigner? Secondly, do not read and sign a contract that is presented to you on a computer. I’ve had clients lose ownership of properties and agree to pay unknown fees. If there is no physical contract and intake sheet listing properties to be sold, commissions and basic fees, find another auction house. Payment Delays: An auction house may string out an estate sale over a period of weeks to avoid paying until the last piece is sold. It could be a couple of months or longer before any money is received. What does the contract say about payment? Read it. A reputable auction house should send payment after each lot of properties is sold with a notation that other lots are still to be sold. Competent and financially stable auction houses use a sale, then payment and notation about unsold items, which is the successful formula. A recent client learned a hard lesson. He brought items to be sold at a local auction house and watched as numbers were placed on his items. He was thanked and sent on his way with no receipt for the consigned items and no discussion of commissions, fees or expenses. Three weeks later, the resulting gross sale receipts for his items added up to $325. After a 40 percent commission and $26 in fees, the auction house earned $169, while the client only took home $156. The client learned a tough lesson about the importance of asking the right questions ahead of time and getting agreements in writing. However, using the services of an auction house can be beneficial if one is selling high- end items. The nationally and internationally known houses have access to a network of customers worldwide who trust their services. But regardless of the size or reputation of the auction house, reading contracts and defining parameters is still absolutely necessary to protect yourself as a seller. — Contact Tom with a question or an appraisal issue: damshill@yahoo.com or send your letter to 5525 N. 12th St., Phoenix, 85014. Research before you sign contracts Contact Roni@Arcadianews.com today to find out how you can save up to 46% on your ad investment! Reach 50,000 potential patients or clients... The Arcadia News Health & Wellness Guide is the perfect way to promote your practice or business to the affluent, educated and health-minded readers of the Arcadia News . A Directory of local providers SEPTEMBER 2019 DEADLINE: FRIDAY 8/16 A Directory of local providers

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