With similar production methods to mezcal, Raicilla is made in the state of Jalisco, Mexico (where the majority of tequila is produced. This “puntas” Raicilla is masterfully cut by the distiller from the end of the heads and beginning of the heart of the distillation, and meant for the connoisseur who enjoys the full essence…
Mezonte Raicilla Japo is made with maguey Amarillo (Agave rhodacantha), which is either synonymous or very closely related to maguey Mexicano. This Raicilla is made by Hildegardo “Japo” Joya in Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco. Japo is 87 years old (as of 2019) and still producing regularly. Per tradition in this region, he only harvests agave under…
The first US imported batch of Mezonte Jalisco was distilled by Santos Juarez using maguey Alineno and Cimarrón in Toliman, Jalisco. While this was produced in Tequila-country, the production of this Raicilla is a far cry from what you would see in modern Tequila. The agaves are cooked in an underground oven, milled by hand…
Despite its name, Mezonte Tepe is NOT made with maguey Tepextate. Instead this gets its name from the Tepehuano community where it’s produced, at the border of Jalisco, Nayarit, and Durango. This reclusive community insists on isolation from western culture and the specific location of this distiller is somewhat mysterious. Mezonte is a nonprofit organization…