Join NETA founder Niki Nakazawa for an intimate evening of rare agave spirits at Sorbito in London. Taste exclusive bottlings and unreleased samples from Miahuatlán, Oaxaca, while learning the stories behind each pour.
Join NETA founder Niki Nakazawa for an intimate evening of rare agave spirits at Sorbito in London. Taste exclusive bottlings and unreleased samples from Miahuatlán, Oaxaca, while learning the stories behind each pour.
Book with The Sin Gusano Project
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Sin Gusano Project · London, England
Sorbito in London hosts a rare evening of Mexican agave exploration on Thursday 5th February, led by NETA founder Niki Nakazawa. The event gathers a small group at the bar for a guided tasting of exemplary and unreleased agave spirits drawn from a single producing community in Miahuatlán, Oaxaca. Arrive from 5pm for check-in; the presentation begins at 6pm sharp. NETA's strength is its deep, long-term relationship with producers in the Miahuatlán region of southern Oaxaca, a landscape defined by steep hills, varied microclimates and an extraordinary range of agave species. That botanical and geological diversity—from higher-elevation agaves to varieties adapted to poorer, rockier soils—creates distinct aromatic and flavor profiles. Niki Nakazawa's approach prioritizes transparency and careful sourcing, so each bottle reads like a small map of place and practice. At Sorbito one of the house tasting machines will be pre-stocked with a curated selection: the best of NETA's European releases alongside extra-special unreleased samples sent directly from Mexico. Expect a formal presentation and guided tasting lasting roughly 90 minutes, followed by open sampling for those who want to linger. Tickets include tasters of every sample available that evening. With a maximum of twenty guests, the format encourages questions, label study, and close-up pours—an intimate classroom for anyone curious about agave beyond the supermarket mezcal shelf. Beyond the guided pours, this is one of the few London evenings where you can compare multiple bottlings from the same producing community side-by-side - a rare lesson in terroir for agave. Seek guidance at the bar about buying bottles after the event; Sorbito often stocks select releases. The room's size and the machine's precision make it easy to sample small measures responsibly, so you can leave with clearer preferences instead of a blur of impressions. The tasting is as much narrative as it is sensory: Niki threads the technical - roast methods, fermentation vessels, distillation choices - with stories about the Miahuatlán community and the seasonal rhythms of harvest. You'll notice sugar, smoke, vegetal and mineral notes shift between pours; those differences are signs of specific agave varieties and the soils they grew in. It's an evening that reframes spirits as expressions of landscape and labor, and it highlights the value of small producers committed to craft and community. Practical notes: the event is limited to guests 18 and over, runs about two hours, and takes place at Sorbito in London. Space is limited and often fills quickly, so reserve early if you want a seat at Niki's table. Whether you're a seasoned mezcal enthusiast, a curious traveler who loves regional stories, or a Londoner hunting a memorable night out, this tasting is a focused, education-forward way to taste Oaxaca without leaving the city.
easy.
2 hours.
No physical fitness required beyond standing or light walking; suitable for most adults.
Sorbito opens at 5pm; check-in before 6pm is recommended so the presentation can begin on time.
Yes. The minimum age is 18; bring valid photo ID for entry.
The formal presentation and guided tasting is about 90 minutes, with sampling continuing afterwards; plan for roughly two hours total.
Ask staff at Sorbito—select releases and European stock from NETA are often available for purchase after the event.
Yes. The format is approachable for newcomers while still offering depth for experienced tasters through side-by-side comparisons and Q&A.
The event is capped at a maximum of 20 guests to keep the tasting intimate and interactive.
Miahuatlán, in southern Oaxaca, is historically rich in agave cultivation and small-scale production; NETA works closely with a single community there to highlight regional diversity.
NETA emphasizes transparency and long-term partnerships with producers, supporting small communities and encouraging responsible sourcing and production.
The Sin Gusano Project is a London-based specialist that curates focused tastings and events dedicated to agave spirits, including mezcal and tequila. The project offers public masterclasses, seasonal thematic sessions, ticketed pairing evenings, and private, small-group tastings led by experienced hosts. Events take place in London venues and in private-home settings when noted, presenting rare bottles, vintage expressions, and producer-driven selections. Signature experiences include introductory tastings that explain the differences between tequila and mezcal, region-focused masters like the Mexican Road Trip, terroir-driven sessions that reveal how land and production shape flavour, and limited-seat events such as vintage Ocho tequila tastings. Seasonal and celebratory gatherings—New Year’s Eve early and late sessions, cheese and mezcal pairings, and inaugural meetings with guest experts—extend the calendar offering. The Sin Gusano Project works with recognised figures from the agave world; sessions feature hosts such as Jon, who conducts private tastings of exceptional mezcals, and guest experts including Gaby Moncada and Jesse Estes at curated events. Reservations, ticket terms, and venue hours are communicated per event; for example, some sessions note that Sorbito closes at 10 pm. Refund and booking policies are set per offering, including refundable first-drink terms for certain reservations. Focused on education and exploration, The Sin Gusano Project combines carefully selected spirits, storytelling, and guided tasting technique to help attendees deepen their appreciation for agave drinks. Attendees range from curious beginners to experienced collectors seeking rare mezcal and tequila perspectives, with tickets and capacity limited for more attentive, educational tastings and thoughtful conversation.
Book with The Sin Gusano Project