WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Mezcal is the fastest growing alcohol in the world, but it has some of the deepest cultural roots of any other spirit.

Local restaurateur Ivan Vasquez has amassed the world’s largest private collection of mezcal, at 500 bottles and counting, housed at his three Madre restaurants around Los Angeles.

Spectrum News traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico, for a special three-part series on the growth of the mezcal industry and the cultural ties between Mexico and Los Angeles.