As the consumption of mezcal made from rare agaves in Oaxaca grows, some well-known species are facing dwindling populations and changes in microclimate, calling their future into question. Meanwhile, new hybrid species are developing at an unprecedented pace, and the exposure of agave traditions in other states across Mexico, both in and out of mezcal’s Denomination of Origin, brings with it new varieties and species to explore – and with them, new flavors to experience. We will dive into the shifting landscape of rare agave distillates and unpack some of the tragic threats and the thrilling possibilities of the category’s future, in six copitas.