Madre Mezcal

Madre Mezcal operates within the rapidly expanding artisanal spirits market, focusing on the production and distribution of traditional mezcal and additive-free tequila. Founded in 2016, the company's origins are rooted in a chance encounter between childhood friends Tony Farfalla, an artist and adventurer, and Stefan Wigand, a photographer and brand specialist. Farfalla’s passion for Oaxacan culture led him to the Garcia Morales family in San Dionisio Ocotepec, who have been producing mezcal for generations. Initially, Farfalla transported the spirit to the U.S. in plastic bottles for friends, which laid the grassroots foundation for the brand.

The official company was formed when Farfalla and Wigand partnered with sustainable business entrepreneur Davide Berruto and brand consultant Chris Stephenson. This collaboration established a formal partnership with the Garcia Morales family and other local producers, ensuring that production remains tied to traditional Zapotec recipes and methods passed down through generations. The business model centers on this authentic partnership, scaling production by collaborating with five different families across Oaxaca and Jalisco, who craft the spirits using sustainable practices. This approach allows Madre to grow while respecting the heritage and capacity of its production partners. Revenue is generated through the sale of its spirits via selective bottle shops, grocery stores, and online markets across the United States, Canada, the UK, and Europe.

Madre Mezcal's product line is distinguished by its production process. The agave piñas are roasted in earthen pits, crushed by a horse-drawn tahona, fermented with wild, airborne yeast and local well water in open-air wooden vats, and double-distilled in copper stills. The flagship product, Madre Ensamble, is a blend of cultivated Espadín and wild Cuishe agave, crafted to offer a balanced profile with less smoke than typical mezcals, making it accessible to newcomers while still appreciated by connoisseurs. Its flavor profile includes earthy, mineral tones with notes of sage, honey, and a lingering floral finish. In addition to its mezcal expressions, which include Espadin, Ensamble, and Ancestral varieties, the company has expanded its portfolio to include an additive-free tequila and a line of ready-to-drink canned cocktails called 'Desert Water'.

Keywords: artisanal spirits, mezcal production, Oaxacan mezcal, agave spirits, traditional distilling, Zapotec recipe, Espadín agave, Cuishe agave, additive-free tequila, craft spirits, beverage brand, sustainable production, family-owned distillery, alcohol distribution, spirits market, grassroots marketing, canned cocktails, Madre Ensamble, San Dionisio Ocotepec, direct-to-consumer alcohol