Our Craft: The Ancient Art of Mezcal Making
At Wild Ones Mezcal, we honor centuries-old traditions passed down through generations of mezcaleros. Every bottle tells a story of patience, expertise, & respect for the sacred agave plant. Join us on a journey through our meticulous production process, where time-honored techniques meet unwavering dedication to craft.
Our journey begins in the sun-drenched highlands, where we carefully select mature agave plants. Our maestro mezcalero's trained eye identifies plants that have reached their peak sugar content – typically 8-15 years old & up to 40 years for some. We seek only the finest specimens, understanding that exceptional mezcal begins with exceptional agave.
The Hunt for Agave
The Harvest
Deep in the remote mountains of Mexico, our quest for wild agave takes us where few dare to venture. Our jimadores scale treacherous cliffs & navigate steep canyon walls, often hiking for hours through rugged terrain to reach these precious plants. Using the traditional coa de jima, they skillfully remove the agave's fierce spiny leaves to reveal its heart – the piña. This is no ordinary harvest; it's a test of courage & determination. Wild agave species like Tepeztate & Tobalá often grow in seemingly impossible locations, wedged between rocks or clinging to sheer cliff faces. Our jimadores rely on generations of knowledge & sure-footed expertise to reach these rare specimens, all while carrying their heavy tools & harvested piñas on their backs. This demanding process requires not just precision, but true grit – a testament to the extraordinary lengths we go to create authentic, wild-crafted mezcal.
The roasted piñas are crushed & combined with pure spring water in wooden vats, where wild yeasts begin their magical work. We allow nature to set the pace during this 5-10 day process, as the mixture slowly transforms into a bubbling, living mash. This natural fermentation develops complex flavors that cannot be rushed or artificially reproduced.
Fermentation: Nature's Patience
In our earthen pit ovens, we transform raw piñas into sweet, caramelized treasures. The piñas rest on a bed of hot volcanic rocks, covered with earth & allowed to smoke for 3-5 days. This underground roasting imparts the distinctive smoky character that mezcal is famous for, while slowly converting the agave's complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars.
The Sacred Roast
Our commitment to tradition extends beyond the art of mezcal-making to encompass the preservation of our environment. We practice sustainable harvesting methods that ensure the survival of wild agave populations for generations to come. Our maestro mezcaleros work closely with local communities to identify mature plants ready for harvest while protecting younger specimens & maintaining the delicate desert ecosystem.
Sustainable Practices & Environmental Stewardship
We also honor traditional ecological knowledge by:
• Carefully selecting harvest sites to prevent soil erosion
• Using only fallen wood from sustainable sources for our roasting process
• Implementing water conservation practices throughout production
• Supporting local biodiversity through responsible land management
• Working with local communities to preserve wild agave populations
Every bottle of Wild Ones Mezcal represents not just a spirit, but a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and respect for the land. We invite you to taste the difference that time, patience, and unwavering dedication to traditional methods create.
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Pechuga: The Sacred Sacrifice
For our special pechuga expressions, we honor an ancient tradition by suspending raw breast of wild animals including turkey, venison or quail inside the still during a third distillation. Along with local fruits & herbs, this sacrifice imbues the spirit with subtle complexity & pays homage to our ancestors' belief in the sacred nature of mezcal production.
Using small copper stills, we carefully distill our fermented mash twice, separating the hearts from the heads & tails with expert precision. Our maestro mezcalero relies on generations of knowledge to determine the exact moment to make these crucial cuts, ensuring only the purest spirit makes it into our bottles.