Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Bar Rescue Host Jon Taffer Thinks Mezcal & Mescaline Are Made From the Same Thing

by Nina Starner on Apr 1, 2016 in Culture

Bar Rescue’s Jon Taffer did an interview with Huffington Post this week where he doled out some seriously iffy bar wisdom, including misidentifying what tequila actually is.

In the interview (which is full of other gems, like when he says that old fashioneds are underrated because they’re “almost all liquor” or when he says if you have to signal a busy bartender, it’s actually their fault), Taffer originally claimed that mezcal, tequila’s smokier cousin, was made from, uh, mescaline. Here’s the exact quote, which Huffington Post has since removed:

"I’m not sure if there’s a definition of one gets you angry or not, but tequila is inherently made from mezcal, which mescaline, the hallucinogenic drug is made from. So tequila can have a hallucinogenic component, you might be talking to someone who’s not there. (Laughs)"

Yikes.

Taffer may not be the bar expert he claims to be. There’s a Facebook group of bartenders against Taffer, and FoodRepublic has already written a response to this Huffington Post gaffe. Is this really the guy we want rescuing our bars??

Image via Flickr user Gage Skidmore

Tags: Tequila
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
 Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Summer 2025

Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Summer 2025

Welcome to Cocktails Quarterly - Drink Philly's newest segment showcasing the best bars (new and old) where you should be getting a drink...read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 5, 2025
Amá: Inside Look at Philly's Mexican Bar that Wants to Be More Than Just Margaritas

Amá: Inside Look at Philly's Mexican Bar that Wants to Be More Than Just Margaritas

Under the El on the corner of Front and Oxford is where you'll find this completely open-wall modern Mexican c...read more ›

by Drink Philly Jul 22, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
There's Now a Tiki Bar Overlooking the Delaware River in Philly

There's Now a Tiki Bar Overlooking the Delaware River in Philly

This summer Liberty Point welcomes River Tiki, a vibrant new 120-seat pop-up bar, to their upper level overlooking the waterfront...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Jul 1, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Behind the Bar: Jesse Andreozzi (aka Mr. Zero Proof) of Phony Negroni

Behind the Bar: Jesse Andreozzi (aka Mr. Zero Proof) of Phony Negroni

Since going completely alcohol-free four years ago, Jesse has become the go-to expert in Philadelphia on all t...read more ›

by Drink Philly Jun 3, 2025
Best Tequila and Mezcal Bars in Philadelphia

Best Tequila and Mezcal Bars in Philadelphia

With hot summer weather right around the corner, we wanted to highlight some of the best spots in Philly to enjoy a huge variety of tequilas and mezca...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 29, 2025
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2025

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2025

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2025
2025 Is a Breakout Year for Philadelphia's Bar Scene - Here's Why

2025 Is a Breakout Year for Philadelphia's Bar Scene - Here's Why

Philadelphia's thriving beverage industry is being lauded with several accolades...read more ›

by Alisha Miranda Apr 6, 2025
Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Celebrate spring in style this April with Philadelphia Distilling at Botanicals in Bloom - a secret garden spe...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Apr 2, 2025
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close