The Origins of Mezcal, Tequila and Agave Spirit Distillation in West-Central Mexico

How, and where, did distillation of agave spirits like mezcal, tequila, tuxca, raicilla, and bacanora first begin in Mexico? Several theories have been proposed by researchers, historians, and archaeologists.  Some suggest indigenous populations had been distilling alcohol from agave plants before European contact.  Others claim agave spirit distillation began during the early 17th century, after [...]