Mezonte Tepe

Mezonte is a non-profit organization that champions the production and practices of traditional agave spirits. While they feature spirits from all over Mexico, their focus is on the states of Jalisco and Michoacán. They work closely with producers who make mezcal, raicilla, barranca, tuxca, sikua, and other distilled agave spirits. Uniquely, when Mezonte purchases a batch from a producer, they only buy 60% of it, ensuring that the local community can continue to enjoy these spirits as they have for centuries. One of their offerings, the Mezonte Raicilla Japo, is made by 87-year-old Hildegardo “Japo” Joya, who traditionally harvests agave under the light of a full moon. This organization is the backbone of preserving the cultural and biological value of these spirits.