Santo Domingo Albarradas

The village is located in the Mixe (pronounced Mee-Hay) region south of Oaxaca and is perched high on the mountainside above the Tesecoacan River. The high altitude means the village is often cloaked in clouds but lies in tropical zone with a climate resembling parts of Hawaii so tropical plants thrive.

So keen was Ron Cooper to meet mezcalero Espiridión Morales Luis that after two failed ten hour round trips on bumpy roads, he returned a third week. After making mezcal for some 60 years, Espiridión sadly passed away and the Palenque is now run by three of his children Juan Morales Luis, Armando Morales Luis and Ester Morales Luis. Ron says, "Espiridion's radiant smile and constant optimism was always reflected in his mezcal."

Production notes

Elevation: 4,855 feet (1,480 meters)
Roast: Earthen pit horno for 4-8 days
Mill: Horse-pulled wheel
Water source: Spring
Fermentation: Natural yeast in 2,300 litre open-top wooden tinas
Distillation: Double distilled in 350 litre direct-fired copper stills