The word mezcal is derived from the Nahuatl language: Mexcallí.

Metl = Maguey
Ixcalli = Cocido

Mezcal is obtained by means of a long and complex artisan process of baking, fermentation and distillation of the heart of the maguey cactus.

Each type of mezcal is unique, its flavor determined by the species of maguey, the tradition of the region in which it is produced and the recipe of the master mezcalero in charge.

1- Care of the ecosystem

To ensure the continuity of the mezcal tradition, it is indispensable to take care of the ecological equilibrium, promote the reproduction of wild agaves, reforest and care for the fauna that pollinate the agaves.

2 - Maguey selection and trimming

Solely ripe agaves are selected - each species has a distinct maturation time ranging from 8 to 40 years. Trimming consists of cutting the long stalks in order to extract the heart of the plant.

3 - Baking the maguey

The agave hearts (also called piñas) are baked for 3 to 8 days underground in volcanic stone ovens in order to extract the sugars.

4 - Grinding of the maguey

The baked maguey is ground to extract the juice and begin the fermentation process of the sugars.

Fermentation

This is the longest stage of the process - the juice is allowed to ferment for 8 to 15 days depending on the climate and tradition of the region.

6 - Distillation

This is carried out in a still- the heat provokes evaporation of the alcohol which, upon condensation, will make up the mezcal. Distillation has three stages, the master mezcalero determines the quantity of mezcal to be used from each stage for the final blend.