Artisanal mezcal process
Harvesting of agave hearts
The harvesting of the agave is an artisanal process that involves carefully collecting the piñas using traditional tools. The leaves are removed to prevent bitter flavors and excess methanol in the mezcal. Master mezcaleros respectfully ask the land for permission before cutting, honoring both tradition and nature.
Cooking the pineapples
At Capotlán, the agave is cooked in an earthen pit oven using hot stones and firewood for a slow roast that transforms its sugars into sweet and aromatic flavors, essential to mezcal. This process reflects the connection between tradition, nature, and the knowledge of master mezcal makers.
Grinding the cooked pineapples
The milling of the cooked agave is essential for extracting its juices and defining the flavor of mezcal. At Capotlán, we use a traditional tahona—a large rotating stone—powered by clean energy, without the use of animals, in respect for nature. This milling process preserves the juices and enhances the complex flavors, reaffirming our commitment to quality and ancestral techniques.
Fermentation of Maguey
At this stage, we use wooden vats, especially oak, due to their ability to maintain stable temperatures and host natural yeasts that enrich the flavor. These yeasts, which live in the wood’s pores, contribute consistency and a unique identity to each batch. Additionally, the wood releases compounds that add complexity to the aroma. This traditional method not only improves the quality of the mezcal but also honors the history and culture of our land.
Distillation
The distillation of our mezcal takes place in a still, where the fermented mash is heated in a pot. Vapors rise through the head, pass through the swan neck, and reach the coil, where they are cooled and transformed into liquid. This process separates and concentrates the compounds that give mezcal its aroma and flavor. In the end, only the purest fractions are collected, resulting in a high-quality distillate guided by traditional techniques that enhance its unique character.
Mezcal Ready!!
1
2
3
4
5
