Master Mezcalier Certification
Member Perk: $400 Off Full Registration (Levels I-IV)
Class: Charlotte, NC (Founding Class – May 2026)
Location: TBD
Master Mezcalier Certification
Exclusive Member Perk – for Charlotte Bourbon Society & Charlotte Agave Sociedad Paid Memberships
Take your spirits knowledge beyond bourbon and into one of the most complex and culturally rich categories in the world—Mezcal.
The Master Mezcalier Certification is an internationally recognized program developed by the competency management committee “Mezcal Service” led by Asociación Pro-Cultura de Mezcal A.C. This certification is officially supported by Mexico’s Ministry of Public Education (SEP) through CONOCER, along with the Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomic Culture A.C. and other leading organizations dedicated to preserving agave heritage.
In collaboration with certified instructors Jason Mitzen and Jovy Ortega, we are bringing this immersive educational experience to Charlotte!
What You’ll Learn:
This is not just a class—it’s a deep dive into tradition, terroir, and technique:
- The history and cultural significance of mezcal
- Agave species, regions, and production methods
- Tasting, sensory evaluation, and professional service
- Mixology applications and modern cocktail integration
- Hands-on understanding of traditional and artisanal processes
Certification Levels:
Progress through four structured levels designed to build mastery:
Level I: Introduction to Agave Spirits – Foundation of mezcal, tequila, and agave categories
Level II: Mezcal Mixology – Craft cocktails and flavor integration
Level III: Mezcal – Culture & Tradition – Deep cultural immersion and advanced tasting
Level IV: Mezcal Fabrication (Oaxaca, Mexico) – On-site, hands-on experience at palenques in Oaxaca
🔥 Member Exclusive Benefit:
Paid members of CBS and Charlotte Agave Sociedad receive:
- $400 OFF registration for Levels I–IV when hosted in Charlotte (location TBD)
Sign up NOW for the waitlist for the “Founding Charlotte Class” – Mid-May 2026
Jason Mitzen
Jason Mitzen is a former owner of Espíritu Mezcalería in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a current Master Mezcalier instructor. Jason’s love of Mezcal began in 2014, while living in Mexico. Jason hosted the Mezcal Society, a club for Mezcal and agave spirit fans, and hosted many tastings, educational events, and classes. Jason has served as a spirit judge, cocktail judge, and teacher in the Mezcal and wider agave spirits industry.
Jovanny "Jovy" Ortega
Jovanny Ortega is CEO of Riablo Sotol and a Master Mezcalier instructor. He is also a co-owner of JB Spirits, a wine and spirits import company. After obtaining his Master Mezcalier certification, Jovanny has worked closely with the Oaxacan government to provide information to Mezcal producers about importing agave spirits into the USA. He has worked with restaurants and bars on both sides of the border passing Master Mezcalier knowledge from producers to consumers.
Master Mezcalier Certification Training (Levels I & II) – New Orleans, LA
Master Mezcalier Certification Training – What you can expect (Levels I-IV).
Master Mezcalier Certification Training (Level IV) – Oaxaca, Mexico
Charlotte’s First Master Mezcalier Certification Cohort
Limited to a select number of participants.
Paid Members - Founders ExperienceCharlotte's Founding Class - May 2026
$ 4550
TotalFull Master Mezcalier Certification (Levels I–IV)*– Charlotte, NC | Class Location: TBD | Date: Now Accepting Priority List for Charlotte’s First MMC Class / Targeting May 2026
*Priority given to Paid Members
Oaxaca immersion experience (Level IV)
– Oaxaca, Mexico | Class & Hotel Location: TBD
Lodging + Graduation Dinner Included
$400 Paid Member Savings
Priority access to future Charlotte Agave Sociedad experiences
Note: The Registration Fees associated with the Levels I-IV can be broken up into two payments, as follows:
Levels I-III: Registration Fee = $1,250 (includes discount)
- Level I – $600
- Level II – $350
- Level III – $300 (this class is Virtual)
Level IV: Registration Fee = $3,300 (includes discount)
- Level IV – Oaxaca Immersion Experience*
(Includes your hotel and your graduation dinner)
General Registration
$ 4950
TotalFull Master Mezcalier Certification (Levels I–IV)*– Charlotte, NC | Class Location: TBD
Oaxaca immersion experience (Level IV)
– Oaxaca, Mexico | Class & Hotel Location: TBD
Lodging + Graduation Dinner Included
*Airfare to/from Oaxaca, additional meals, and personal purchases (including mezcal) are not included. Pricing subject to change. Limited seats available for the Charlotte cohort.*
