Tequila Tasting February 19, 2012

- Enjoy a tasting flight of six high-quality agave-based spirits

- Hear how host Phil Ward (former Death & Co head bartender) crafts a cocktail menu

- Sit at the bar for this private event at Mayahuel before opening hours

Step inside the dark-wooded walls of Mayahuel before opening hours and take a seat at the bar with owner Phil Ward, the former head bartender at Pegu Club and Death & Co. Phil began dabbling in mixology by reading books on classic cocktails, but noticed the lack of refined tequila-based drinks was out of sync with the demand he saw at today’s bars.

Mayahuel is Phil’s personal solution to this problem. The East Village bar boasts a wildly impressive selection of agave-based spirits. You’ll get to taste blanco, repasado, and añejo tequilas and three different kinds of mezcals while Phil explains what makes each of them distinct.

During the 90 minute experience, feel free to ask Phil questions about the tequila industry and his time tending bar at New York’s finest establishments. You’ll also learn how Phil goes about crafting and naming his cocktails — the story of the “Randy Cocktail” is our personal favorite.