In the central valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico, Maestro Alberto Morales a fifth-generation jomezcalero is hard at work managing his family's five stills. The village of San Dionisio, which the Morales' have called home for nearly 150 years, was founded in 1610 and has sat at the epicenter of mezcal country throughout the spirit's existence. Morales, who uses sustainable farming techniques (Wahaka Mezcal is certified organic by the USDA) and traditional production methods, describes his palenque as "a place of respect and harmony, where no arguments or even bad words can be uttered." The Morales' take great pride in the craft of mezcal production, and oversee the entire process from harvest to market.After expert jimadors select espadn agave at the peak of ripeness, the Morales' roast them in earthen pits, which gives the mezcal its signature, smoky flavor. The agave is then crushed using a traditional millstone and distilled by Morales himself. Made using 100% agave, Wahaka Joven Espadn has a slightly sweet finish that belies the smoky, charred flavor of the roasted agave.Incredibly approachable, Wahaka Joven Espadnis Morales' signature mezcal, and won the Silver Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the 2011 New York International Spirits Competition. Wahaka Joven Espadn is 100% agave, 100% organic and 100% authentic. Always. 

 

Wahaka mezcal is produced by an indigenous Zapotec family, who has perfected the art of making mezcal through many generations. The owner Alberto Morales is passionate about preserving the ancient traditions, and their mezcal is handmade using simple tools. Wahaka is uncompromising when it comes to its processes. The company has strict standards for sustainable farming, and holds USDA and Mayacert organic certificates. Each Wahaka Espadn is tended up to eight years by Alberto Morales and his team. They also replant wild agave through the not-for-profit Fundacin Agaves Silvestres, so the agaves can be harvested for generations to come. During the harvest, cortadores skillfully carve out the pias, which are immediately placed in earthen pits lined with rock to cook for up to five days. The process turns the starch in the pia to sugar, and adds the delicate taste of smoke. Once the pias are cooked and reach a golden caramel color, they are moved to the mill, which is gently pulled by a horse, crushing them to a pulp ready for fermenting. The fermentation takes place in open air oak vats, and, unlike for other distilled spirits where yeast strains are added, fermentation here happens naturally as a result of yeast in the air around the palenque. The spirit is distilled using copper and clay stills, and each batch is tested by Alberto Morales until impurities have been removed. Located in the rural village of San Dionisio Ocotepec in the second poorest state in Mexico, Oaxaca, Wahaka is committed not only to tradition and sustainable farming, but also to its community. They believe they have the responsibility to improve the lives of those they can. The company pays above market wage, and shares the success by helping to provide free healthcare, delivering toys to kids, and sponsoring the high school basketball team. Wahaka Mezcal Abocado con Gusano is the only aged mezcal in the Wahaka line. The double-distilled spirit is matured for 46 months in re-charred American oak barrels with agave worms, which adds a slightly smoother and delightfully caramel complexion to the premium mezcal. 

 

Agave Type: Espadin, Madre-Cuishe, and Tobal Region: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca Maestro Mezcalero: Alberto Morales Proof: 80 Proof, 40% ABV Tasting Notes: Floral aromas. Full bodied earthy elements, mineral and citrus notes. Details: A blend of agave Espadn (50%), Madre Cuishe (25%), and Tobal (25%) that are cooked, fermented, and Twice distilled in a copper pot still.

Agave Type: Madre-Cuishe Region: San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca Maestro Mezcalero: Alberto Morales Proof: 84 Proof, 42% ABV Tasting Notes: Subtly herbaceous, pepper, vibrant, refreshing notes. Savory elements, sweet molasses, minerality, earthy notes. Details: Crafted from wild 12-year-old Madre Cuishe. Twice distilled in a copper pot still.