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 Mexicano variety, comes from Bramaderos in the Miahuatlán de Porfirio Díaz region of Oaxaca and is produced by Onofre Ortiz, son of Alberto Ortiz. His exceptional work is rooted in the use of personal recipes and a diverse selection of agave varieties—a traditional practice influenced by the availability of plants in the chosen plot. This Pure Single Palenque is a joven—more commonly known as blanco—colorless and bottled straight from the still at 47.9%. The Palenqueros project highlights the quality and heritage of this artisanal spirit, whose traditions run deep in the local culture. When this collection of agave distillates was created, the focus extended beyond villages or agave varieties—it aimed to honor the palenqueros, the master distillers. Their names are prominently 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 crushed manually. These Pure Single Palenque mezcals are bottled at still strength, preserving their authentic flavor characteristics. These limited editions celebrate Oaxaca’s rich heritage through the expertise of six of its most renowned artisanal palenqueros.
