Cathy Owens and her husband, Dan Grocki, may hail from Kansas City, but they now consider Tulum, Mexico, their home. The couple, intrigued by the growing global popularity of mezcal, set out to look for a brand to make their house spirit at their restaurant, The OG’s, which is located in Tulum, and ended up with their very own brand of mezcal. The Moon Shift launched in Kansas City in late October, and will likely be hitting restaurants, bars, and store shelves this month. Word on the street is that Moon Shift mezcal is good—very good. Bryan Arri, owner of Fern Bar, which specializes in agave and sugar-cane spirits, sampled it and says, “I was impressed. It is really good juice.” Crafted by maestro Israel Pérez in Santiago Matatlán in Oaxaca, The Moon Shift Mezcal uses traditional methods that reflect the brand’s commitment to authenticity and sustainability. The name “The Moon Shift” pays homage to the essential role that bats play in the mezcal ecosystem, pollinating agave plants under the cover of night. The moon and its nocturnal rhythms have long been intertwined with mezcal-making traditions, and the couple wanted to honor that connection. Perez’s production is also synced with these lunar cycles, distilling the mezcal in rhythm with the full moon. The goal was not merely to create another mezcal but to craft one that respects ancient traditions while bringing something fresh and vibrant to the market.