Spirits · San Miguel Ejutla, Oaxaca
Paquera
Mezcal from a cooperative of family palenques in Ejutla, Oaxaca.
- Founded by
- Ben Zerbe
- Based in
- San Miguel Ejutla, Oaxaca
Their story
Paquera is a mezcal brand founded by Ben Zerbe and based in Los Angeles. Its spirit comes from San Miguel Ejutla in Oaxaca, where it is grown, distilled and bottled by local mezcaleros.
The brand works with UPADEC, a union of agricultural producers in the Ejutla district that helps small palenques keep their family businesses going. In 2020 Paquera redesigned its bottles around the hand-painted ceramic tiles seen all over Ejutla, as a nod to the families behind the mezcal.
How it's made
The mezcal is made by family artisans using methods passed down over generations. Paquera offers three expressions: 100 percent Espadin, a blend of Espadin and Barril, and 100 percent Barril. All production and bottling happen in Ejutla.
Traveling through the city of Ejutla, you see these beautiful hand-painted Mexican ceramic tiles throughout town.
Why we carry them
We like tasting the Espadin and the Barril next to each other to see what a different agave brings. It's a good introduction to how varied mezcal can be.
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