Created by Luca Gargano, the Palenqueros project brings together six palenqueros, master distillers from the state of Oaxaca. This artisanal agave distillate, made from the maguey tepextate variety, comes from San Luis del Rio, Tlacolula, Oaxaca. It is produced by Baltazar Cruz, a palenquero known for his entrepreneurial skills. Distilled twice in a traditional 300-liter copper still, this expression highlights the unique qualities of the tepextate agave, a plant known for its bold and distinctive character. This Pure Single Palenque is a joven, more commonly known as blanco: colorless and bottled straight from the still, it has been bottled without dilution at 48.5% ABV. The Palenqueros project focuses on the quality and history of an artisanal spirit with deep-rooted traditions in the local culture. When crafting this collection of agave distillates, the approach extended beyond villages and agave varieties—it was about honoring the palenqueros, the master distillers. Their names are clearly displayed on the labels, and their portraits appear on each bottle, showcasing their craftsmanship. Each product is made by producers who use only wild agaves, grown without pesticides and manually crushed. These Pure Single Palenque mezcals are bottled at still strength, preserving the authenticity of their taste profile. These limited editions highlight the rich heritage of the state of Oaxaca through the expertise of six of its most renowned artisanal palenqueros.
