Real Minero
ABOUT:
Our tradition dates back to the late 19th century, in the days of Santa Catarina Minas, when everything about mezcal was very different, completely at odds with what it means in our lives now.
ErstWe know from family conversations that our mezcal mentor was our great-grandfather Don Francisco Ángeles—“Papá Chico,” as he was known in the town. “Papá Chico” was the first link in forging the family legacy. “He is the root of Mezcal Real Minero.”
Our ancestors have told us that the conditions of the "mezcal extraction" trade in the past were truly precarious. No other activity was possible in the entire region, and this work was done out of sheer necessity, as it represented the only source of income to purchase what they couldn't produce. Originally, the name given to those who produced mezcal until the beginning of the 21st century was "palanqueros."
This is how "Papa Chico," like other "palanqueros" in the town—at the risk that making mezcal was an illegal activity—went into the woods doing what they knew best: distilling "Mezcal Minero." Through long, open-air labors, they produced mezcal with rudimentary processes, employing the same techniques we maintain to this day at REAL MINERO.
“Like many good things that happen in life, sometimes they begin more out of necessity than pleasure.” Our father, Lorenzo Ángeles Mendoza, began this endeavor at an early age under the guidance of his mentor, his great-grandfather, “Papa Chico.” Reluctantly, and with no other options at the time, he learned the craft of making fine Mezcal Minero under strict rigor. Life in the fields and at the palenque was truly hard, and given his other aspirations in life, he put mezcal on hold for the following years.
The countryside, magueys, and mezcal were inspiration and a natural fit in our father's life, enjoying the company of his great ally, Don Nicolás Arellanes. It was with him that, in 1978, they decided to acquire the family's first palenque, the oldest to date, in Santa Catarina Minas. This would be a decisive step in the current history of Mezcal Real Minero.
After a decade of dedicating himself to other endeavors, like many good things that happen in life, sometimes it begins more out of necessity than pleasure. Ours returns to the most noble pursuit of his life: making Mezcal Real Minero.
“Because only the authentic lasts…”
WEBSITE:
https://realminero.com.mx/
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Neta offers a curated selection of exemplary agave spirits, focusing on traditional, artisanal production methods and showcasing the distinct terroir of Oaxaca, Mexico. The company highlights the contributions of local Maestros (master distillers) and the various Magueyes (agave plants) and soil types that influence the unique flavor profiles of their limited releases. Their offerings are distributed internationally and feature educational components about the process, underscoring the product's high quality and deep cultural roots.
Barril: A distinctive expression made from the Barril (Agave Karwinskii) maguey, which is named for its barrel-like shape. It typically offers a full-bodied profile with notes of tropical fruit, vanilla, a touch of minerals, and smoke. Tasting notes often include elements like cinnamon, white pepper, clay, and dark tea.
Tobalá: Made from the wild Tobalá (Agave Potatorum) agave, this mezcal is prized for its high aromatics and complex flavor. It is often described as having a rich, earthy, and fruity character with notes of mango, cinnamon, and a clean, mineral finish.
Pechuga: Pechuga is a special category where, during the second or third distillation, local fruits, spices, and a protein (like a chicken or turkey breast, a pechuga) are suspended in the still. This process adds a unique umami, savory, and complex depth to the spirit, with aromas of roasted agave, savory spice, and dried fruit.