Mal Bien
Papalote Ciro y Javier Barranca Mezcal

Don Ciro has been distilling agave spirits longer than most mezcaleros have been alive. His grandson Javier, on the other hand, is relatively new to the family business, having spent much of his 20s in “el Norte.” Working together for the past 7 years, theirs is a story of tradition, the passing of generational knowledge, and its adaptation to a new era.

Distilling Season(s): January-July

Woods used in Oven: Encino amarillo, encino prieto, tepozcahuite, tepehuaje

Agaves used: Papalote, Azul, Zacatoro, Espadín, Desconocidos

Oven Size: 10 tons

Cook Time: 4-5 days.

Rest Between Oven and Mill: 1 day

Fermentation vessel: Open air ayacahuite tinas

Water Source: Spring

Fermentation Time: 5-7 days

Still Type: 2 Copper Alambiques (400 liters/each)

Distillations: 2