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Las Perlas, Cedd Moses' Downtown Bar Dedicated to Tequila & Mezcal, Soft Launches Tonight
Photo via 213 Downtown
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Photo via 213 Downtown
Tequila for some of us is like the nectar of the Gods, but that's only one small part of a much, much bigger story. When Jose Cuervo in the 18th Century applied to the Spanish government to make the distilled spirit, it was for "Mezcal de Tequila." Legally, 27 other types of Mezcal, which is made from agave, are allowed to be made under Mexican law--mezcal in seven southern Mexico states (most notably Oaxaca) and tequila in six to seven northern Mexico states (most notably Jalisco).
“American tequila bars are way behind what is actually happening in the Mexican spirits world.” explains downtown's bar king Cedd Moses, who is opening his newest endeavor tonight, a Mezcal-Tequila themed bar. “It’s like opening a whiskey bar and failing to stock Single Malt Scotch. Premium single-village mezcal is the oldest and widely considered one of the best spirits in North America. And it works even better in cocktails than tequila.”
Las Perlas is located across from Moses' french dip eatery and red car bar, Cole's, on 6th Street, complete with indoor and outdoor seating. And in typical Moses fashion, the interior design is deliberate and refined. For Las Perlas, think authentic Oaxacan cantina.
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The bar's name comes from how the best mezcal is judged, when "the bubbles that form when only the best and purest mezcals are shaken," notes Moses. "In Mexico, a whole new generation has discovered artisan-crafted agave spirits; preferring true mezcal over the mass produced overly-distilled products that have lost the soul and flavor of the country's native spirits," he says of his choice suppliers, which are family distilleries.
Las Perlas will feature a selection of mezcals and rare small-batch tequilas that available in the United States. General Manager Raul Yrastorza will soon be blogging about the drink and will be hosting on-going tastings and agave education to bar patrons.
107 East Sixth Street in Historic Downtown LA, 90014, (213) 988-8355. Bar Hours: 7pm - 2am, Monday through Saturday and closed Sundays. From 7 -8pm during the week it will offer special pricing on its signature spirits and cocktails.
Related: From the Agave Field to the Distillery-How Tequila is Made (Video)
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