The Hombre Cave: Tequila, Wine and Home Winemaking Podcast

Mark Cherney

The Hombre Cave – Tequila, Wine & Home Winemaking Podcast Welcome to The Hombre Cave, the podcast for tequila lovers, wine enthusiasts, and People who want to make Wine at home. Hosted by The Tequila Hombre, this podcast explores: • The history and culture of tequila and agave spirits • Wine tasting, wine regions, and home wine making tips • Conversations about Wine, spirits, Home winemaking • Interviews with distillers, winemakers, and brand owners Whether you're learning about how tequila is made, discovering new wines, or starting your own home winemaking journey, The Hombre Ca

Episodes

  1. Jul 14

    Tequila Myths Busted: Contract Brands, Distillery Brands & Batch Consistency | Ep. 7

    Does owning a distillery automatically make a tequila brand better? It's one of the most common claims you'll hear online—but is it actually true? In Episode 5 of The Hombre Cave Podcast, I dive into one of the hottest debates in the tequila world: contract brands versus distillery-owned brands. Drawing from years of experience working with tequila producers, selecting single barrels, and tasting thousands of tequilas, I explain why the answer is far more nuanced than social media often suggests. We discuss: Why contract brands can produce world-class tequilaHow engaged brand owners influence qualityWhy every batch of tequila naturally tastes differentThe role of agriculture in shaping flavorWhy tequila is remarkably similar to wine in terms of vintage variationThe purpose of additives and batch consistencyWhy changing distilleries isn't always a bad thingHow to think critically about tequila advice you hear onlineIf you're tired of marketing hype and want honest, experience-based tequila education, this episode is for you. Follow The Hombre Cave Podcast on Spotify for weekly conversations about tequila, wine, spirits, sports, and the people who make them. Sip. Savor. Play. Tequila Podcast • Tequila Education • Contract Brands • Distillery Brands • Additive-Free Tequila • Premium Tequila • Batch Consistency • Agave • Tequila Reviews • Spirits Podcast • Home Winemaking • Wine & Tequila • The Tequila Hombre • The Hombre Cave Podcast

    Tequila Myths Busted: Contract Brands, Distillery Brands & Batch Consistency | Ep. 7
  2. May 18

    Why Your Tequila Doesn't Taste Right: Storage, Glassware & Tasting Secrets | Ep. 6

    Have you ever watched a tequila review and wondered: "Why doesn't my bottle taste like that?" In Episode 8 of The Hombre Cave Podcast, I explain the science and technique behind getting the very best experience from every bottle of tequila. From proper storage and serving temperature to choosing the right glass and developing your palate, this episode is packed with practical tips that can completely change how you enjoy tequila. Topics include: Why premium tequila should usually be stored at room temperatureWhen (and why) freezing tequila masks flavorsThe best glassware for tequila tastingHow professional tasters evaluate tequilaWhy oxygen improves some tequilas—and eventually harms themUsing argon gas to preserve open bottlesWhy tequila changes as it opens in your glassThe similarities between tasting tequila and fine wineWhether you're new to tequila or already have an impressive collection, these techniques will help you experience more aroma, more flavor, and more appreciation from every pour. Subscribe to The Hombre Cave Podcast for honest tequila education, wine conversations, spirits, sports, and stories from inside the industry. Sip. Savor. Play. Tequila • Tequila Podcast • How to Taste Tequila • Tequila Glass • Tequila Storage • Premium Tequila • Additive-Free Tequila • Agave Spirits • Tequila Education • Spirits Podcast • Wine Tasting • The Tequila Hombre • The Hombre Cave Podcast Spotify Keywords

    Why Your Tequila Doesn't Taste Right: Storage, Glassware & Tasting Secrets | Ep. 6
  3. Mar 29

    Tequila vs. Wine: The Fascinating Science That Connects Them | The Hombre Cave Ep. 4

    Is tequila actually closer to wine than most people realize? In Episode 4 of The Hombre Cave Podcast, I dive into one of the most fascinating topics I've ever researched: the surprising connection between tequila and wine. From the history of Vino de Mezcal to the science of fermentation, terroir, yeast selection, and malolactic fermentation, you'll discover why these two beverages share far more in common than most people imagine. Drawing on my experience as both a home winemaker and tequila educator, I explain how understanding wine has transformed the way I evaluate, appreciate, and even collaborate on tequila production. Why tequila was once called Vino de MezcalHow terroir influences both grapes and agaveThe science behind fermentation in wine and tequilaWhy many tequila producers choose wine yeastHow temperature affects flavor developmentThe similarities between grape must and agave mostoLessons from home winemaking that can improve tequila productionThe future of experimental tequila fermentationIf you're passionate about tequila, wine, fermentation, craft beverages, or simply love learning how great drinks are made, this episode is packed with insights you won't hear anywhere else. Follow The Hombre Cave Podcast on Spotify and join us every week as we explore tequila, wine, spirits, sports, and the stories behind them. Sip. Savor. Play.Tequila • Wine • Tequila Podcast • Wine Podcast • Tequila Education • Wine Education • Terroir • Fermentation • Agave • Weber Blue Agave • Home Winemaking • Craft Spirits • Premium Tequila • Malolactic Fermentation • The Tequila Hombre • The Hombre Cave Podcast

    Tequila vs. Wine: The Fascinating Science That Connects Them | The Hombre Cave Ep. 4
  4. Mar 12

    How I Built The Tequila Hombre | The Secrets Behind My Reviews & The Wine Connection | Hombre Cave Ep. 3

    What makes one tequila taste completely different from another—even when they're made using the same production methods? In Episode 3 of The Hombre Cave Podcast, I pull back the curtain on how I built The Tequila Hombre YouTube channel, why I refused to rely on internet rumors, and how conversations with Mexico's top tequila producers completely changed the way I think about tequila. But the biggest surprise? The answer to understanding tequila didn't come from tequila at all... It came from making wine. 🍷🥃 In this episode, I explain how studying fermentation, home winemaking, and professional wine production unlocked a deeper understanding of tequila production—knowledge that most consumers (and many influencers) never discover. 🥃 Why I contacted tequila producers before publishing every review 🌵 How inaccurate online information almost made it into my videos 🍷 The surprising connection between wine and tequila production 🧪 Why learning fermentation changed how I evaluate tequila 🏆 How home winemaking helped me become a better tequila educator 🍇 Building an award-winning home winery from scratch 🇲🇽 Behind-the-scenes stories from conversations with Mexico's master tequila producers 🤝 Why building a community has always mattered more than chasing views 🎙️ The future of The Hombre Cave Podcast and what's coming next Throughout this episode, I share why my goal has never been to hype brands or chase trends—but to help you become a smarter, more informed tequila and wine enthusiast through education, transparency, and firsthand experience. Whether you're passionate about tequila, curious about home winemaking, or simply enjoy learning how great spirits are made, this episode is packed with stories and insights you won't hear anywhere else. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode: Subscribe to The Hombre Cave PodcastLike the videoLeave a comment with your questionsShare this episode with fellow tequila and wine loversNew episodes every week! Remember... Life is too short to drink bad tequila. The Secrets Behind The Tequila Hombre | Why Wine Made Me a Better Tequila Educator | Episode 3 What if the key to understanding great tequila isn't found in a distillery—but in a winery? In Episode 3 of The Hombre Cave Podcast, I share the philosophy that shaped The Tequila Hombre YouTube channel and explain why accuracy, producer relationships, and firsthand experience have always been at the heart of my content. You'll hear behind-the-scenes stories about working directly with some of Mexico's top tequila producers, why I verify information before publishing reviews, and how studying fermentation through home winemaking completely transformed my understanding of tequila production. We also explore: Why I don't rely solely on online tequila informationThe importance of relationships with master distillersHow homebrewing led to home winemakingThe fascinating connection between wine and tequilaBuilding an award-winning home wineryCreating a community focused on education instead of hypeWhat's next for The Hombre Cave PodcastIf you want to go beyond reviews and truly understand why tequila tastes the way it does, this episode is the perfect place to start. Follow The Hombre Cave Podcast on Spotify so you never miss an episode as we dive deeper into tequila, wine, fermentation, home winemaking, and the people behind the spirits we love. Sip. Savor. Play. Tequila Podcast • Home Winemaking • Wine Education • Tequila Education • Agave Spirits • Fermentation • Craft Spirits • Home Winery • Winemaking • The Tequila Hombre • The Hombre Cave • Mexico • Wine & Tequila • Distillery Stories • Premium Tequila

  5. Mar 8

    How I Became The Tequila Hombre | From Tequila Hater to Trusted Educator | The Hombre Cave Ep. 2

    What transforms someone from a tequila skeptic into one of the most respected voices in tequila education? In Episode 2 of The Hombre Cave Podcast, I share the personal journey that shaped The Tequila Hombre—from taking regrettable tequila shots in college to discovering premium tequila in Cabo San Lucas, building relationships with producers, organizing single-barrel selections, and eventually launching one of YouTube's leading tequila education channels. This episode isn't just about tequila—it's about curiosity, persistence, and staying true to your mission even when others tell you it can't be done. Why I originally disliked tequila—and what completely changed my perspectiveThe tequila tasting experience in Cabo that sparked a lifelong passionHow my background as a National Champion Home Brewer helped me understand fermentation and spiritsBuilding relationships with tequila producers and traveling to MexicoThe creation of the Tequila Barrel & Agave CollectiveOrganizing my first single-barrel tequila selectionsWhy I started The Tequila Hombre YouTube channelFacing criticism, skepticism, and online negativity while pursuing a passionWhy education, integrity, and transparency have always been more important than making money in the tequila community Whether you're passionate about tequila, interested in wine and fermentation, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind successful journeys, this episode offers an honest look at how curiosity and persistence can open unexpected doors. If you enjoy the podcast, please follow The Hombre Cave on Spotify, leave a rating, and share this episode with friends who appreciate great conversations about tequila, wine, spirits, and sports. New episodes every week. Remember... Life is too short to drink bad tequila. Tequila • Tequila Education • Premium Tequila • Agave • Tequila Podcast • Home Winemaking • Wine Podcast • Fermentation • Mexico • Distillery Tours • Single Barrel Tequila • Spirits Education • Craft Spirits • The Tequila Hombre • The Hombre Cave Podcast #TheHombreCave #TheTequilaHombre #TequilaPodcast #TequilaEducation #PremiumTequila #Agave #SpiritsPodcast #WinePodcast #HomeWinemaking #Fermentation #Mexico #CraftSpirits #Podcast #Entrepreneur #Storytelling #SipSavorPlay

About

The Hombre Cave – Tequila, Wine & Home Winemaking Podcast Welcome to The Hombre Cave, the podcast for tequila lovers, wine enthusiasts, and People who want to make Wine at home. Hosted by The Tequila Hombre, this podcast explores: • The history and culture of tequila and agave spirits • Wine tasting, wine regions, and home wine making tips • Conversations about Wine, spirits, Home winemaking • Interviews with distillers, winemakers, and brand owners Whether you're learning about how tequila is made, discovering new wines, or starting your own home winemaking journey, The Hombre Ca