Banhez Mezcal
ABOUT:
After returning to Ejutla with his own family, Francisco was appointed Treasurer of Ejutla in 1996 and later became Mayor in 1999. He honed his skills in cultivating and harvesting Espadín agave alongside his brother Bertoldo on their farm.
His mother, who had initiated an agave nursery with other local women, imparted her knowledge on creating optimal conditions for robust plant growth. Both his mother and brother passed away shortly after, yet Francisco continued the pioneering work they began.
In 2004, Francisco was elected president of the National Mezcal Council, and he subsequently secured federal support to develop nurseries and revive distilleries throughout Ejutla. He established the Consejo Oaxaqueño del Maguey Mezcal (Oaxaca Mezcal Maguey Council) to provide a collective platform for local mezcal producers and industry affiliates.
Inspired by his family, Francisco transformed the traditional mezcal-making process into a community endeavor focused on craftsmanship and mutual support. Today, the Banhez Cooperative, unified under Francisco's leadership, is known as the Unión Productores de Agropecuarios del Distrito de Ejutla de Crespo (UPADEC) and is currently managed by his son, Luis.
WEBSITE:
https://www.banhezmezcal.com/
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Banhez Mezcal is a unique, cooperatively owned and operated brand made by the farming families of the U.P.A.D.E.C co-operative in Ejutla, Oaxaca. Transformed by founder Francisco Javier Perez Cruz from a historically harsh and unsustainable way of life into a unified community endeavor, Banhez allows farmers to grow, harvest, distill, and package their own spirits. Their traditional, artisanal approach guarantees consistent work and better lives for the families involved, prioritizing craftsmanship, sustainability, and mutual support to keep their communities together.
Ensamble (Espadín & Barril): A sustainable blend of 90% Espadín and 10% Barril agave, Banhez Ensamble is the cooperative’s flagship spirit. It is a delightfully mild, floral, and fruity mezcal with vibrant notes of pineapple and banana. Its approachable profile makes it perfect for first-time mezcal tasters and a wonderful foundation for cocktail innovation.
Arroqueño: Comprised of 100% Arroqueño agave, this expression relies on an enormous, semi-wild species that takes up to 15 to 25 years to reach full maturity in the rural regions of Oaxaca. This delightful mezcal is deeply earthy and dark, offering a rich profile with subtle smoke and a pleasant underlying sweetness.
Jabalí: Made from 100% Jabalí agave, a rare and wild species that is notoriously difficult to distill. This expression is beautifully citric and light-bodied with a lively mouthfeel. Its complex tasting notes feature hints of lactose, wet stone, fermented fruit, and herbaceous conifers, providing a truly distinct tasting experience.