Meet The 2024 Brands
Meet the brands participating in Mezcal Lauderdale.
Mezcal Lauderdale is 3-day celebration of Mezcal with related website and social media links for your discovery.
Meet Rosaluna, The Less Smoky Mezcal. Rosaluna is an all-natural, handmade agave spirit distilled in the heartland of Oaxaca, México. Rosaluna uses 100% 8 year-old Capón Espadín agave. Our handcrafted, single-estate Mezcal delivers a Less Smoky alternative that affords superior mixability & versatility across a wide range of recipes.
The top-selling mezcal in the USA, Del Maguey was founded in 1995 with the aim of introducing the world to artisanal mezcal produced the traditional way. Each of Del Maguey’s single-village mezcals is made by individual family producers in remote villages in Oaxaca and Puebla using 400-year-old Zapotec methods. Part of Pernod Ricard since 2017, Del Maguey has a deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility and considers its award-winning pure mezcals liquid art.
Creador Agave Spirits is born out of a passion for discovering unique small-batch agave spirits from Mexico—and telling the stories of the creators who make them. With each release we select and share exceptional small batches of clay-pot ancestral-style 100% agave spirits, unaltered and sourced directly from maestro palenquero José Alberto Pablo in Oaxaca, while helping to support the economies of producer communities and preserve traditions.
Around 2004, Ilegal's founder John Rexer began bringing mezcal down from Oaxaca to Antigua to supply his bar, Café No Sé. The mezcal became popular very quickly. At the time, he was bringing down unbranded mezcal from a variety of villages in Oaxaca that included: Tlacolula, San Lorenzo, Sola De Vega, Santa Catarina Minas, Hierve el Agua, Santiago Matatlan and a few others.
In 2006, John created the brand Ilegal, originally just to supply his bar in Guatemala. On the back of each bottle of Ilegal you will find it says "Originally produced for: Café No Sé, Mezcal Bar."
The Producer Mezcal is an homage to those who create, inspire, and take pride in their craft. Our mission has always been to create mezcal for all, while maintaining artisanal production methods, fostering community growth, and inspiring further exploration and education into the mezcal category.
El Viaje was created by Andrew Bernauer to share the beautiful and more unknown agave spirits from Mexico with the rest of the world . Our Raicilla comes from the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in Jalisco, and is distilled by Maestro Raicillero Benito Salcedo Rios on his family estate. The recipe is 100% Agave Maximiliana which is cooked for three days in a traditional adobe oven, wild fermented, and twice distilled in small batches. The resulting profile is truly unique having a floral and botanical nose, along with flavor notes of citrus, vanilla, and minerality.
Our strict MÉTODO VERDE® PROGRAM (Spanish for green method) protects biodiversity from field to bottle. We obtain an increasing share of our energy from solar sources and our distilley has its own waste water treatment plant on the premises.
Behind each bottle of Pierde Almas is a time-honored recipe kept alive with painstaking care by the family patriarch in each successive generation. Their labels are hand-printed on 100% acid-free, handmade paper derived from fibers that are indigenous to the region and have been in use since pre-Columbian times. With their Wild Agave Reforestation Program, they are actively engaged in the re-forestation of wild species of Agave in those areas where their populations have been depleted. Pierde Almas begins each rainy season by inviting bartenders, chefs, restauranteurs, and journalists to join them for their annual wild Tobalá planting. Due to the artisinal nature of their mezcal, the ABV of each lot may vary slightly.
In 1707, in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, skilled jimadors cultivated Blue Weber agave to create a unique agave spirit, the precursor to modern Tequila. Diego Osorio, the great-great-grandfather of the founder of Lobos 1707, transported this Tequila in sherry wine barrels to Spain, discovering that the sherry-soaked oak imparted a smooth and elegant character to the spirit. Lobos 1707 honors this rich tradition by combining the expertise of Master Distillers from both Mexico and Spain. This fusion of centuries-old Mexican craftsmanship and Spanish aging techniques ensures that each bottle of Lobos 1707 is a blend of the best of both worlds. The unique process of aging Tequila in sherry barrels, initiated by Diego Osorio, continues to define the exceptional quality of Lobos 1707.
Caballlito Cerrero has a cult-like following among tequila aficionados worldwide, and the true die-hards that visit Guadalajara in person search high and low for these bottlings. Produced at the legendary Santa Rita Fabrica—which shares the oldest archaeological site of agave distillation extant in Mexico, dating back to the 16th century—Caballito Cerrero has had a tumultuous and thrilling career. The brand, whose mantra states “El que no necesita Herraduras” (or, “the one that does not require horseshoes”) was created in 1950 by Don Alfonso Jimenez Rosales when he separated from Tequila Herradura, a company he co-founded. In 2018, the family made the decision to cease calling their product tequila, in defiance of the industrialization of the category, in order to respect the growing and distillation traditions of tequila’s history, in general, and in particular, within the Amatitán region where Caballito Cerrero is made.
Mezcal Aguerrido is a brand that comes from the heart of the state of Guerrero, one of the least represented mezcal producing states due to the difficulties with narco-traffickers in the area. The brand is a union of maestros mezcaleros from Chilapa, Guerrero including Don Refugio, Don Ciro (R.I.P.), Don Tomás, Don Benigno, Dona Gabina, y Don Antonio.
Palomas Mensajeras Mexicano is made with Agave rhodacantha in the lake-side community of Oponguio, Michoacán. This is a product of maestro vinatero Don Miguel Perez Resendiz and his sons Miguel (jr) and Melltón. Maguey Mexicano is not endemic to Michoacán. Don Miguel collected Agave rhodacantha (maguey Mexicano) seeds on a trip to Oaxaca a few decades ago. He planted the seeds and the family collected additional seeds from those plants once those original agave reached maturity. The family now has a sustainable supply of Agave rhodacantha growing on their land in Michoacán. The agaves are cooked in an underground pit oven and milled by a mechanical shredder that the family made from a converted 1978 Dotson car engine. The agaves are then fermented with open air wild yeasts in earthen pits that are lined with oak planks. Finally the agave is distilled in a Tarascan (aka Filipino) still.
Our Cristalino Mezcal is matured for approximately 6 months in charred American Oak Barrels and filtered through activated charcoal.
The result is a crystal-clear liquid with an elegant blend of aromas and flavors that are refined yet full of Mezcal's signature character.
Rey Campero represents the culture, tradition and art of Candelaria Yegolé, a small town in the Southern Highlands of Oaxaca, with a fertile ground on its slopes and canyons. It represents a people dedicated to the production of artisanal Mezcal, so one of its principles is to help producers of maguey, by creating job opportunities, but especially in finding markets for the best Mezcal. Rey Campero, means “King of the Countryside” and it was founded by the maestro mezcalero Romulo Sanchez Parada. Romulo learned how to make mezcal from his father, and he worked in the palenque until age 20. He lived and worked for several years in North Carolina while in his 20s before returning to Oaxaca in 2003. Each lot may vary slightly, so check your bottle for specific details about ABV.
Uruapan Charanda is a D.O.-protected, single-estate sugarcane distillate produced by an historic farming family in Uruapan, Michoaćan. This core expression is made from a blend of 50% fresh-pressed sugarcane and 50% molasses, all estate-grown sugarcane grown at over 4,000 ft above sea level. The fresh cane juice is open-air fermented for eleven days while the molasses is closed-fermented for forty-eight hours. The cane is then distilled twice in a small wood-fired pot still and the molasses is distilled using a short, French-style column still. With a profile reminiscent of a cross between Agricole and Jamaican style rums, Uruapan Charanda Single Estate Blended Rum is full of mango and banana with an earthy, mineralic depth to balance the bright fruit and wispy smoke on the finish. 46% ABV.
On the steep precarious hillsides of Oaxaca, Guerrero and Durango, varieties of agave indigenous to the region grow wild and are heavily sought after by the local mezcaleros. These varietals produce flavors that are exotically intense, with rich earth tones and savory smokiness. From the heart of the maguey, these flavors are traditionally extracted to produce mezcal that is wildly refined. Because we at Bozal believe that something wild produces a far richer spirit.
Agua Magica offers an elegant, clean, and flavorful experience, unfolding layers of tropical fruits, almonds, distinct herbal notes, and subtle smoke, handcrafted by the artisanal process from high mountain Espadín & Tobalá agaves in San Juan del Río, Oaxaca.
San Juan del Río has the ideal natural resources for crafting the finest mezcal. The rich mineral soil, weather conditions, local river, and steep inclination make this region the Burgundy of Mezcal. For over 500 years, the Zapotec people of San Juan del Río have dedicated themselves to the art of mezcal crafting, passing down their secrets and perfecting the craft from one generation to the next.
Sotoleros is a collection of traditional distillates from northern Mexico, which seeks to represent the tradition, art and culture of the region. Products from this brand began appearing on shelves in early 2021. Sotoleros has a connection with the legendary brand Clande Sotol – the colors on the bottle labels follow a similar pattern too. However, Soloteros is not a “rebrand” and the exact history between the two brands is unknown.
The Partida family, lead by Don Macario, has been making their iconic “mezcales” for 5 generations in Zapotitlan de Vadillo, Jalisco, however due to legalities they can neither call their product mezcal nor tequila. They are renowned among mezcaleros and mezcal aficionados for the amazing spirits that are meticulously made from the 15 different agave varietals that they have been collecting from their region for three generations. These varietals include 14 A. angustifolia sub varietals and 1 A. rhodacantha sub-varietal.
Real Minero (previously Mezcal Real Minero) is considered by many to be one of the world’s finest mezcal producers. The Angeles family has been making mezcal for several generations in Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca. Their mezcal is made in small clay pot stills, and almost all of it is rested in glass for several months before bottling, giving the mezcal a much softer character. Outside of creating great spirits, they also have one of the largest and most diverse sustainable agave reforestation programs. With the help of the community, they’ve been able to rescue several agave varieties that were previously thought to be extinct. The ABV of each batch may vary slightly, so check your bottle for details.
Gusto Histórico specializes in bringing unique destilados de agave y mezcales tradicionales to the market. The brand was started by one of the co-founders of famed Oaxacan mezcaleria Mezcaloteca, and the Gusto Histórico brand features many of the same producers, with a focus on preserving traditional production methods and practices.
From Sola de Vega and Miahuatlán, all hand crafted, MATASANTA [𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕] brings a wide selection of Mezcales, boasting over 10 distinct 100% single Maguey varietals, including small batch productions of Mezcal Ancestral -𝑶𝒍𝒍𝒂 𝒅𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒐- from wild Agaves. The traditions, culture, mysticism and flavors of Oaxaca are imprinted in every sip.
Granja Nómada was born out of admiration and respect for each farmers passion for the plant, and plans to modernize the mezcal industry while keeping its artisanal roots intact. A unique blend of the finest Espadín agave, hand-selected from the central valley in Oaxaca. Granja Nómada presents an appealing fragrance and a rich taste that engages the palate, ensuring distinctive delight. Floral forward notes, with light smokey notes that are subtle and further appreciated when coupled with the bright citrus finish.
Madre is a certified artisanal mezcal from Mexico, hand-made in the hills of Oaxaca. Crafted in open air palanques, using agaves only roasted in earthen
ovens, water from local aquifers, and fermented with airborne yeast, Madre reflects the essence of the Earth in its purest form.
Mezcal de Leyendas believes they can improve some of the most marginalized communities in Mexico. They implement the best fair trade practices where they work, and they have many efforts in agave sustainability. Their mezcals come from the different mezcal-producing states. They also have some special edition, small-batch mezcals. The brand also releases the Pelotón de la Muerte line of mezcals.
Pelotón de la Muerte Espadin is produced in of Oaxaca by mezcalero Cutberto Santiago and his family, who cook agave Espadin agave in stone pit ovens using traditional methods. This mezcal has notes of kiwi fruit, lemon zest, dried peppercorn, agave, and soft smoke. Pelotón de la Muerte is aimed at the cocktail scene and is often sold in one liter bottles.
Mezcal Unión catalyzes collaboration amongst every person and community involved in the process of agave farming and mezcal production. We aim to exalt the name of Mexico, showing new ways to enjoy it, exploring its cities, streets and trying its food and drinks.
Mezcal Unión catalyzes collaboration amongst every person and community involved in the process of agave farming and mezcal production. We aim to exalt the name of Mexico, showing new ways to enjoy it, exploring its cities, streets and trying its food and drinks.
Xicaru, the Zapotec word for beautiful, reflects Fernando Santibañez’s desire to share a traditionally produced mezcal that is approachable and distinct. Using his grandmother’s recipe, we make small batches of Xicaru Mezcal with time-honored methods at a palenque in Matatlán, Oaxaca.
Convite is the best-selling mezcal in oaxaca, a one-of-a-kind, premium, and artisanal mezcal that embodies authenticity and tradition focusing on wild agaves. “Convite” translates to an invitation to a party, and in true Oaxacan spirit, Convite is a call to gather in greatness, celebration, and community. Convite Mezcal is rooted in celebration. A distinctive premium mezcal, Convite embodies the spirit of Oaxaca: legendary hospitality, thirst for life, and genuine joy for gathering with friends and neighbors.
Faithful to the teachings of our Maestro Mezcalero, Don Alfonso Sánchez, we have created Mezcal Somos Pecadores, a family business that aims to promote and foster the artisanal traditions of mezcal making. Somos Pecadores is a way of life, a tradition to share, and a philosophy to keep the customs and values of the people and their land alive.
Mezcal Somos Pecadores is crafted faithfully to the ancestral traditions and practices of making fine mezcal in San Luis del Río, Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca. Currently, we offer three varieties of agave: Espadín, Tobalá, and Tepeztate.
Mezcal "Sabia María" originates from a deeply rooted family tradition for the love and pleasure of tasting fine mezcal. This passion drives us to share our mezcal with Mexico and the world.
Our mezcal is an artisan product made in San Luis del Río, Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca, under strict quality control and faithful to traditional mezcal production methods. Every step in the process is done by hand, with love and respect.
Mezcal Descartes is created by Andrés Duarte and Maestro Mezcalero Enrique Hernández with the purpose of creating an artisanal, organic, and sustainable mezcal with a unique profile. Mezcal Descartes is a brand founded under three core pillars:
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Quality: Our Agave is matured for at least 8 years; patience offers us an Agave with a high fermentable sugar content that translates into a robust and prevailing flavor profile. Our process is 100% artisanal; we cook with volcanic rock and mesquite wood; our fermentation involves spontaneous ambient yeasts and two distillations in copper stills.
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Sustainability: No deforestation, our fields have always been agricultural land and our wood comes from sustainable silviculture. Our waste, bagasse and vinasse, are used to make adobe bricks for social housing.
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Social Impact: We grant 10% of our profits to local emerging artists and we portray their artworks in the back of our bottles.
Destiladora Real de Jalpa, founded by Mr. Everardo Macias Medina and directed by Lic. Julio Cesar Macias and Master Mezcalera Q.I. Maria Teresa Rubio M., is dedicated to producing high quality, authentic and sustainable tequila. As the largest mezcalera in the state of Zacatecas and one of the largest in the country, it has the largest agave plantation in
the state and a production capacity of more than 100,000 liters per month.
Mazot Bacanora is owned by Emilia Ezrre Becerra and her family. She is the matriarch and two of her sons, Manuel “Ramses” Chacon and Sinohe Chacon Ezrre, are the Maestros Vinateros who produce the bacanora.
Batuq Bacanora is owned by the family of Rafael Encinas Molina. It’s produced on their ranch outside of San Pedro de la Cuerva, Sonora, MX. Rafael Encinas Molina does not like the flavor of wood and smoke and his goal is to maximize the flavor of the agave, so he uses a hybrid method. The harvested pinas; are processed two ways: 1) roasted underground in a traditional shallow maya; with mesquite and ironwood for 48 hours, and 2) processed in a mesquite fired autoclave (no electricity on ranch).
Cardenxe Sotol is a terroir-inspired premium craft spirit, distilled from the heart of the Dasylirion plant, in Northern Mexico - where it holds a Denomination of Origin. Each label honors a different environment in which the plants are grown. Different winds & soil, methods, cultures and climates influence the sotol, and as such Cardenxe aims to explore the unique profiles of each region.
SEÑORÍO MEZCAL is a traditional premium mezcal with a mild smoked flavor, achieved thanks to the perfect harmony between two distillations of different intensities and flavor-aroma profiles. The balance of the soft smoke notes and the flavor of espadín agave. This mezcal of Oaxacan tradition celebrates the people who live in harmony with themselves, with nature,and with the whole world. We want to acknowledge everyone that has found the balance in their lives and that has taken each decision within their passion, wisdom, hard work, and heritage, with the certainty that everything is in equilibrium matter the adversities. We celebrate and invite to the discovery, in Perfect Harmony, of the value of small details and the learning of enjoying the “whole” of things. SEÑORÍO Mezcal Perfect Harmony.
ZIGNUM®, meaning "spearhead," is recognized as an exceptionally smooth and refined Mezcal. The Master Mezcalero and his team craft it with passionand a commitment to the environment, from the field to the barrel and from the barrel to thebottle. The agave piñas are harvested at peak maturity for an authentic flavor. Zignum is the most awarded mezcal in the world, pleasing discerning customers and those new to Mezcal. ZIGNUM® is the most awarded Mezcal, based on major tasting competitions. Inspired by Zapotec culture, its new image features the geometric designs of Zapotec temples. The engraving color refers to the typical jewelry of the era and the color of our Mezcal. Zignum is an unsmoked mezcal, easy to understand. It has an easy-to-drink flavor profile and appeals to new consumers wanting to experience pure mezcal, as well as those interested in the production process and barrel aging.
Recuerdo Mezcal is a source of pride for Mexico and one of the best-selling in its category. It is an evocation, a commemoration, and a souvenir from Oaxaca. Recuerdo Mezcal captures the essence of a vibrant and colorful Oaxaca; it embodies attitude, character, and pride in a bottle. Recuerdo Mezcal reflects our tradition and culture in every sense. It is made from selected Espadín Agave plants using traditional techniques, baked over river rocks with certified pine and oak wood for an eco-friendly product. The rocks are sourced from the highest points of the rivers in Oaxaca's central valleys. The stones and wood used in our Oaxaca distillery, the capital of mezcal, are certified by SEMARNAT (Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources), ensuring biodiversity and sustainable forest management. Mezcal has a protected designation of origin.
The Dos Once mezcal is an artisanal Mexican spirit that was born from a marriage that brings together several characteristics of Mexican culture and history. The name Dos Once refers to November 2nd (2/11), "El Dia de los Muertos" or the Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition celebrated worldwide. Even today, mezcal is considered an offering to the deceased, hence the bottle design featuring a skull.
Each bottle of Dos Once mezcal is unique and hand-painted by Mexican artisan families, reflecting the great attention paid to every detail in the manufacturing process. Due to this artisanal manufacturing process, each bottle has a unique design and is hand-numbered, attesting to the authentic and artisanal character of the product.
Dos Once mezcal is originally from the state of San Luis Potosí in the "Las Charcas" region, where the Salmiana agave is the main product of the region. It is produced using traditional distillation methods, which involve cooking the agave in an earthen oven and distilling it in copper stills.
Want to participate?
Mezcal Brands interested in participating please email events@uniteusgroup.com