Paquera Mezcal
ABOUT:
Paquera Mezcal is an artisanal, 100% sustainable spirit built on a deeply ethical foundation. Rather than operating as a single palenque, Paquera works in partnership with the Cooperativa Oaxaqueña Productora de Mezcal (COOPDEM) and local coalitions in Ejutla, Oaxaca. This co-op model directly supports multiple mezcal-producing families, helping them grow their micro-enterprises and implement sustainable agave replanting processes. The brand spans both the Artesanal and highly traditional Ancestral classifications. Their core line utilizes time-honored methods such as slow-roasting in underground conical ovens, crushing with a horse-drawn stone tahona, naturally fermenting in local pine (Awewete) wood vats, and double-distilling in copper stills. For their premium Ancestral line, they embrace ancient techniques like hand-mashing the agaves with wooden mallets and distilling in traditional clay pots.
WEBSITE:
MEZCALS OFFERED:
Espadín (Artesanal): The brand’s best-selling flagship expression, crafted from 100% Espadín agave to balance high-quality complexity with approachability. It presents a floral nose with prominent, earthy smoke. On the palate, it delivers a remarkably silky texture filled with deep flavors of sweet vanilla, orchard fruit, citrus zest, and green vegetal notes, concluding with a long, balanced finish.
Ensamble (Espadín & Barril): A highly versatile blend meticulously crafted from 80% Espadín and 20% wild Barril agaves. Designed to shine both as a neat sipper and a premium cocktail ingredient, it opens with gentle spice and light smoke. The tasting journey is elegant and creamy, showcasing a balanced interplay of bright fruit, floral undertones, and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Barril (Artesanal): Distilled entirely from wild, stalk-like Agave karwinskii (Barril), which acts as a natural fence in the agave fields. This expression highlights the intensely dry, structured, and herbal characteristics typical of the Karwinskii family, offering a highly robust and earthy drinking experience.
Mango Espadín (Artesanal): A creative, fruit-forward expression that follows the historical framework of a traditional Pechuga, but utilizes fresh fruit instead of meat. During the distillation process in copper pot stills equipped with a refrescadera, ripe mango is integrated into the spirit, imparting a beautifully bright, sweet, and tropical lift to the smoky agave base.
Cuishe (Ancestral): A super-premium, hyper-traditional release crafted from 14-year-old wild Cuishe agaves grown in the high-elevation, mineral-rich soils of Zimatlán de Álvarez. Adhering strictly to Ancestral methods, the piñas are hand-mashed with wooden mallets, fermented in pine wood barrels, and double-distilled in clay pots. The result is a profoundly authentic, earthy, and complex spirit that highlights the raw terroir of the region.
Wagyu (Ancestral): An absolutely remarkable, first-of-its-kind fusion of traditional Mexican heritage and modern culinary innovation. Distilled in clay pots, this Ancestral mezcal suspends carefully selected Tajima Wagyu beef from Montana inside the still during the second distillation. This unique process yields an incredibly rich, fatty mouthfeel bursting with complex notes of grilled steak, fresh lime, and delicate lavender.