We tasted incredible tequilas, saw first-hand how tequila is made, learned about the local culture, ate amazing food and walked multiple distilleries with the owners themselves. Most Real Minero mezcal is rested in glass containers for months before reaching the bottle, which smooths and softens the spirit. We just really had a fun time getting to know each other. The sons play in a way that youd expect kids who grow up on a farm would do (bikes, ropes, and getting a little too close to machetes). Tour Monte Albn, Hierve el agua, Teotitln Del Valle and Mezcal, Earth, Corn & Fire: Tasting the Roots of Oaxacan Cuisine, Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery Tour, Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. We tend to avoid scheduling experiences during the rainy season (June-early September), which features near daily thunderstorms. We had a really pleasant lunch at the 2nd pechuga with a family whose patriarch had lived and worked in a town right next to ours. As special guests, you can work making mezcal as much, or as little, as you like. We could not have asked for a more thoughtful and hospitable guide than Darinel. Our guides (Dari, Kami) made our trip educational, inspirational, and above all, FUN! Itchingto hit the open road inMexico? I would highly recommend this company!!! I've been traveling in Mexico for forty years and am a seasoned travel writer. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, Valley of Tequila Day Four Day Experience. You'll be much better off on foot when exploring the Centro's noteworthy sights such as the world-class Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca. After studying and working in California, they had the idea of restarting Mezcal production in their own region and, in doing so, bringing jobs to villages that see so many young adults leave to get work across the border. After ten years, weve rebranded and moved all of our tours to one website for clarity and ease of booking. Its story begins with wild jabal plants that have matured up to 18 years and are distilled in copper stills. Excellent day! We first learned about Experience Mezcal back in 2017. Thank you so much for your extremely thorough review! Later, the cooked agave is ground with a traditional horse-pulled tahona stone and fermented in wooden barrels. Dear OrangeOrb, Experience Agave - Oaxaca: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Zona Arqueolgica de Monte Albn, Hotels near Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmn, Hotels near Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, Hotels near Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca, Hotels near Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Hotels near Facultad de Arquitectura 5 de Mayo, Hotels near Universidad Mesoamericana Siglo Xxi, Hotels near Facultad de Bellas Artes Oaxaca de Juarez, Hotels near URSE Universidad Regional de Sureste Campus Oaxaca de Juarez, Hotels near Universidad Regional del sureste, Hotels near UNIVAS Universidad Jose Vasconcelos de Oaxaca, Hotels near Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas Cu, Hotels near Universidad Autonoma Benito Juarz de Oaxaca, Hotels near Universidad Pedagogica Nacional Upn Santa Cruz Xoxocotlan, Hotels near Instituto Tecnologico de Oaxaca, Zona Arqueolgica de Monte Albn: Tickets & Tours, Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmn: Tickets & Tours, Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca: Tickets & Tours, Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca: Tickets & Tours, Mercado 20 de Noviembre: Tickets & Tours, Andador de Macedonia Alcal: Tickets & Tours, Baslica de Nuestra Seora de la Soledad: Tickets & Tours, Zona Arqueolgica de Atzompa: Tickets & Tours, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption: Tickets & Tours, Pizza Master Class for Kids and Families in Rome, Italy, Morning Maverick Horseback Ride with Breakfast from Las Vegas, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Day Trip from London, Yarra Valley Private Wine Tour For 8 to 11 People, 2 Day Tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi with Trang An Cave, Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Day Tour with Kerid Crater from Reykjavik, Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay Tour 5 Days, Natural Bridge Glow Worm Cave & World Heritage Eco Tour, Review of: Private Tour: Mezcal Day Tour in Oaxaca. Taxi drivers usually do not expect tips, but always . La Medida pays tribute to Oaxaca's strong mezcal tradition by maintaining a 100% artisanal production method, from the moment the seed is planted to the day when the liquid reaches the bottle. Hola! Experience Agave - Oaxaca - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Special requests most welcome. Look no further than the delectable mole tamales at Tamales de San Agustn Yatareni or the tender pork tacos at the wildly popular Lechoncito de Oro. If youd prefer a bit more comfort, there is a basic hotel in the village of 2,000 people that well provide transportation to and from. You dont even have to go far from the states capital to find producers making great mezcala short, hour-long trip from the city would sufficebut Tosba is a unique proposition, and worth the much longer journey. The complex liquid has been on a meteoric rise from a product that farmers would make in the slow season and sell in their local markets to an internationally coveted drink that adorns the shelves of the best bars in the world. The Zapotec village of San Cristobal Lachirioag is a remote location that few outsiders have visited. All our multi-day and custom tequila tours begin with a driver who meets you as you exit customs at Oaxaca Citys Xoxocotln International Airport (OAX) and transports you to the hotel. Work as much or as little as you like, relax as much or as little as you like. An absolute delight, so happy we splurged on this. On the other hand, were also happy to make recommendations for extra hours or days in and around Oaxaca City. This wasn't our first experience with mezcal so we wanted something a little more gritty and he introduced us to many of the tiny producers who don't distill under their own label. This tour was so worth it. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, Valley of Tequila Day Four Day Experience. Experience Tequila Tours Experience Mezcal Tours Experience Raicilla Tours Custom Tour Experiences GENERAL OPERATIONS We operate in the Mexican States of Jalisco and Oaxaca. La Venenosa is a creation by chef Esteban Morales, and each label is made by a different producer in a taberna, which is what raicilla distilleries are called. We are specifically here to see a Mezcal de Pechuga being madea type associated with weddings that uniquely is defined by its inclusion of fruit and meat in the distillation process rather than the use of a specific varietal. We could not have asked for a more thoughtful and hospitable guide than Darinel. Clayton and crew, you have established the benchmark for what makes great tour experiences absolutely great. How it carries the weight of culture, born and evolved over thousands of years, but is ever relevant today. Differences in process between palenques are common, and it can be hard to gather why certain people have chosen to do things the way they do. Arturo Campos is the raicillero behind Red Label, made with cenizo agave in San Juan Espanatica, Jalisco. The tasting was fabulous, learning all of the differences between the different mezcal. We host many solo guests on our public day tours, and they quickly settle in with the group of fellow tequila travelers. Mezcal, as it stands, has a sustainability problem. "Adventurous drinkers looking for more agave expressions," says Nino, should start facing west. There are more reasons to visit this beautiful nation than any list can contain but we've gathered togethersome of the best things Mexico has to offer. My wife, son, and I went on Experience Agave's Mezcal day trip to the area outlying from Oaxaca City. Payment in full is due at time of booking. One was a clay pot still, the other copper, out in the middle of nowhere, like little moonshine shacks minus all creepiness. You should carry Mexican pesos. Well stay in a boutique Oaxaca City hotel on the first and last nights. Tours can be awful, but this Experience Agave tour proved to me that, wow, with the right leadership and a company that attracts these kinds of participants - that was an experience that I could never achieve on my own. Plus, 10 Safety Tips for Tourists, 9 Best Hostels in Oaxaca City, Mexico (A Backpackers Guide), 10 Things to Do in the Magic Town of Chiapa de Corzo, Goa, India for Digital Nomads: The Ultimate Guide. The mezcaleros job is to blend the different pullings (the head, heart and tails) to create the flavour profile he wants. The itinerary is set within a day or two before your experience, to maximize your exposure to active mezcal production and a variety of maguey varietals. The links to the worlds of lambic and wine keep cropping up, with blending, spontaneous fermentation, and terroir finding their place in each beverage category. These are then chopped up, charred edges removed, and pulped by a stone wheel pulled by a horse thats more interested in eating the agave than in doing much work. "Each of you will think you've made a terrible decision at . Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. Experiencing Mezcal in Oaxaca City, Mexico - Pellicle They plant up to 10,000 mesquite trees/year and sow up to 5 hectares of agave plants/year. Next, they grind the cooked agave with a stone tahona pulled by a horse or mule and ferment it in pine tubs. Fanny, who loves using espadn in cocktails, recommends Ramo de Rosas Espadn, a mezcal born in Santiago Matatln, Oaxaca. A long journey to the world capital of mezcal.Rich in culture and history. My wife, son, and I went on Experience Agave's Mezcal day trip to the area outlying from Oaxaca City. "This mezcal is great for those who want to try something made outside Oaxaca," she says. It has notes of wet clay, grassy fields, and leather on the nose, as well as coriander, stone fruit, and buttered popcorn on the palate. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Welcome! The cliffside waterfall pool bathing was excellent. With all its museums, art galleries, uniquely savory cuisine and intoxicating nightlife, you may never want to leave the city, but trust us when we say day trips enrich the overall experience. This was no cattle call Napa wine-tasting tour - this was a family experience that we will not forget. Then swallow and exhale. It was a pleasure having you along, and we hope to have you back on a tour someday! If you are reserving less than two business days before your requested date, please contact us for confirmation of availability. Follow her on Twitter . Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved, Feature Las Bugambilias Mezcal Distillery Tour. I would highly recommend this company!!! Our guide was Dary, who provided invaluable mezcal information as well as useful tips for our stay in Oaxaca. We wanted a more authentic mezcal tour outside of Oaxaca city and they were extremely accommodating despite our last minute booking. We will participate in unloading cooked maguey from the earthen pit oven, harvesting maguey and re-loading the oven, breaking down and milling cooked maguey, formulating it for fermentation, and distilling a special mezcal de pechuga throughout the night. It can be produced using many types of agave and is typically sold as an expression of a specific species. As with everything, there are swings of demand. It's indeed a doozy! Your email address will not be published. We watch the second distillation of the batch as the sun starts to go down, tasting first pullings that are pungently tropical but evaporate off the tongue as soon as it passes our lips. You have truly achieved something with this. It's okay to do some friendly haggling with market vendors, artisans and independent shop owners, but keep a sense of perspective about the amounts you're bargaining over as most folks are just trying to make a living. The family grows more than 10 types of agave, including espadn, jabal, cuishe, and Mexicano. Your tour also includes drop-off back at the airport at the end of the experience. The selection includes the beloved espadn, as well as an array of wild agaves, such as arroqueo, tobal, and americano. We roll down the final dirt road and come to the palenque (distillery) of Mezcal Tosba. Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. If you hear the seismic alert system sound, remain calm and move to an open space away from buildings and power lines. Can I use my own transportation for the tour? Incredible, once in a lifetime experience. Our expert local guides know mezcal inside and out, are bilingual, and were born and raised in Oaxaca. He grew up locally and knew all of the mezcaleros from each of the little towns. Unlike tequila, which is made exclusively from Agave tequilana, Mezcal is not defined by one varietal. Saludos. The objective was to go get some hands-on experience at distilling mezcal. What kind of shoes should I wear? Espadn agave is the base of this unique spirit, made by mezcal master Gregorio Velasco Luis in San Luis del Ro, Oaxaca. Led by a bilingual guide with a deep knowledge of mezcal and insider connections. This comprehensive tequila tour is designed for tequila aficionados and their family and friends who may not know they love tequila yet. The objective was to go get some hands-on experience at distilling mezcal. Adventur, And WERE LIVE!! Here's the lowdown on how to get around in fast-growing Oaxaca. One was a clay pot still, the other copper, out in the middle of nowhere, like little moonshine shacks minus all creepiness. Get inspired to travel off the beaten path at these 10 top destinations in North America. Unbelievable experience. Some of these botanicals are macerated in the liquid and sit inside a copper still for 24 hours, while others hang in the steam head, resulting in an aromatic mezcal that Nino loves to sip in a martini with vermouth, a lemon twist, and an olive. If you do get a stomach bug Hospital Reforma is a decent option with 24-hour medical attention. You will have the opportunity to participate in (or just observe) every step of the process: loading and unloading the earth oven with maguey, burro-and-stone milling, hand formulation, and distilling pechuga. You have truly achieved something with this. Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review! Somos dos personas, Hola, como hago para reservar el tour? We went in a private car, led by Dari, a mezcal savant, to two different pechugas in the Las Minas area. First, Clayton was wonderful to communicate with regarding tourism opening back up and answered my many questions. Will you pick up and drop off at my hotel? Saludos. It was a pleasure having you along, and we hope to have you back on a tour someday! This was an amazing day for us beginning to end. With their knowledge and taste, we've created a list that leaves no drinker unattended. This was no cattle call Napa wine-tasting tour - this was a family experience that we will not forget. Finally, we see a roof in the distance, close to the bottom of the camouflaged mountains, and to a formidable river. First, Clayton was wonderful to communicate with regarding tourism opening back up and answered my many questions. Somos dos personas, Hola, como hago para reservar el tour? Special requests most welcome. Our transformative experiences bridge the gap between beverage and culture, offering unrivaled access to the people and regions that gave rise to tequila and mezcal. more. We choose each days distilleries based on their production schedules. Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour, Full-Day Monte Alban Archaeological Site and Oaxaca Artisan Experience. The lucky ones get to see their family once a year, and the less lucky ones, due to their immigration status are never able to travel home until they come back for good. This comprehensive tequila tour is designed for tequila aficionados and their family and friends who may not know they love tequila yet. When it comes to street food, it would be a missed opportunity to not take a few risks in a culinary mecca like Oaxaca. The jabal is one of these rare releases. Various: Oaxaca International Airport arrivals, hotel transfersVarious: Sightseeing / shopping /relaxing in colonial Oaxaca City5:00pm: Mezcal orientation at the hotel7:00pm: Dinner in Oaxaca City9:00pm: Optional drinks around Oaxaca CityLodging: Casa Antigua, Oaxaca City, 6:00am: Depart hotel8:00am: Breakfast in Cuajimoloyas9:00am: Depart Cuajimoloyas1:00pm: Arrive San Cristbal Lachirioag1:30pm: Lunch at the palenque3:00pm: Maguey orientation, trek to swimming hole, R&R7:00pm: Dinner at the palenquePM: Palenque Tosba, San Cristbal Lachirioag, 8:00am: Breakfast at the palenque9:00am: Unload earth oven Further Palenque activities: milling, formulation, etc.1:30pm: Lunch at the palenqueFree time R&R at the river and in the village7:00pm: Dinner at the palenquePM: Pechuga distillation, live musicPM: Palenque Tosba, San Cristbal Lachirioag, 8:00am: Breakfast at the palenque9:00am: Load earth oven10:30am: Depart San Cristbal Lachirioag2:00pm: Lunch in Cuajimoloyas3:00pm: Depart Cuajimoloyas5:00pm: Arrive Oaxaca City8:00pm: Dinner TBD in Oaxaca CityPM: Hotel Casa Antigua, Oaxaca CityLodging: Casa Antigua, Oaxaca City. We focus on the real people and families that have been making mezcal for generations, rather than brands, though we are generally able to accommodate your requests as well. Yes! Im stoked (read 90, Mezcal in the Global Spirits Market: Unrivalled Complexity, Innumerable Nuances, The 12 Cutest Boutique Hotels in Oaxaca, Mexico, Is Oaxaca Safe? Finally, they distill the liquid twice in copper and coil stills, obtaining a shining, transparent liquid. You might also like:YourOaxacaroad trip starts here: 5 ways to explore Mexican cultureThe quest to reviveOaxacascenturies-old mountain trails one hike at a timeThe best places to visit inMexicofor culture, cuisine and cenotes. Expect daytime highs between 80-90 F (27-32 C), and overnight lows between 45-60 F (7-15 C). "Their whole selection is fantastic," says Nino, who likes to sip these mezcals neat with a beer chaser on the side. Only the start of the heads are discarded, with the rest sectioned in increments to be blended later. With increasingly good vaccine news, we are begin to accept private bookings from guests meeting certain criteria. This odd mix of tour participants - urbanites, mostly thirties/some forties, some international - didn't seem like it was going to click when we first met - but we ended up pulling together over the four days, especially when mixed with the charismatic glue of our leader, Clayton Czchzczk. As we remake the fire to roast the agave hearts, I ask if Paco thinks the fire is ready. The production process for both spirits starts with harvesting the agave (agave syrup can also sweeten your coffee), but when producing mezcal, the cores are cooked in an earthen pit, which gives mezcal its signature smoky notes. "I've been enjoying it a lot lately," she says. Experience Agave - Oaxaca 5 36 reviews #31 of 107 Food & Drink in Oaxaca Distillery Tours Open now 10:00 AM - 5:00 AM Write a review See all photos About Private, in-depth day tours of artesanal and traditional mezcal distilleries (palenques). This odd mix of tour participants - urbanites, mostly thirties/some forties, some international - didn't seem like it was going to click when we first met - but we ended up pulling together over the four days, especially when mixed with the charismatic glue of our leader, Clayton Czchzczk. The family hosting us was excellent. Overnight lows at the palenque may be ten degrees Fahrenheit lower. Oaxacans typically are not sticklers about etiquette but there are several things to be mindful of when interacting with locals. With their care for tradition and respect for the land, the Snchez clan produces extraordinary mezcal for Rey Campero. Our driver was very nice and helpful. The Snchez family's agave fields line the ground of Candelaria Yegol, a tiny community on the foothills of Oaxaca's Sierra Sur. Also, LOL re: Clayton's last name. The brand's small-batch production includes artisanal mezcals such as the balanced doba-yej and the complex blends or ensambles. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. From booking ahead to what to pack, plan your trip to Oaxaca with this know-before-you-go info Peter Adams / Getty Images, 10 things to know before going to Oaxaca, one of Mexico's most intriguing destinations. Distilleries, hotels, restaurants and times are subject to change at any time due to production schedules, availability, weather conditions, or other circumstances. Specifically, the states of Jalisco and Nayarit are the only states in the country producingraicilla and have been doing so for more than 500 years. A light jacket is always useful for cool evenings and air-conditioned buses. BUT I had my eyes opened on this four-day guided stimulation called the "Pechuga Tour". Sure, room rates are pricier this time of year, but the citys impressive array of lodging options caters to all budgets, from affordable hostels and guesthouses in spacious old homes to brilliant B&Bs and non-franchise boutique hotels in the heart of the historic center. How it raises questions of stewardship and the perils of demand, but equally holds the opportunity for transformation for some of the regions of Mexico that need it most. Tepeztate takes between 15 and 30 years to reach maturity, and "has some of the strongest earthy notes out there," says Fanny. ATMs dispense Mexican pesos and there's usually a 3% international transaction fee tacked on. Will you pick up and drop off at my hotel? Espadn, the most common, takes five to 10 years to grow, but the more coveted mezcals are made from a myriad of other varieties, such as the petite, spikey Tobala, the wild, broad-leafed Tepextate, and the hedgehog-like Madrecuixe. Our focus is on small, family-owned producers of artisanal and ancestral mezcal. We recommend this experience for guests in good general health who dont mind roughing it a bit. Our unforgettable cultural experiences are the best way to truly experience agave. Saludos. The building is built with recycled adobe bricks collected from production waste. So mission accomplished, but I have to say it was much more than that. Alternatively, if you foresee a boozy DIY romp, you can always leave the driving to a taxi for about M$500 each way. Cultural capital Oaxaca's combo of authentic regional flavor and big city grit makes it one of the most intriguing destinations in Mexico, and it's one of the safest, too. But you will all think its been worth it when we get there.. Also, LOL re: Clayton's last name. Guided by our Guadalajara-based colleagues, these daylong experiences are the perfect introduction to tequila. Experience Agave is a labor of love for Mexico and its traditional beverages. Dear missesball, Payment in full is due at time of booking. Our day tours typically visit two of the following four distilleries: Casacahun (NOM 1123), Tequilas Selectos de Amatitn (NOM 1459), Tres Mujeres (NOM 1466), La Alborada (NOM 1445). more. "Summer camp" for mezcal enthusiasts (in November). Private, in-depth day tours of artesanal and traditional mezcal distilleries (palenques). Professional yet relaxed, they have nailed the line between higher-end travel and letting your hair down. In general, Mexicans dress more formally than North Americans. Una persona, gracias. If youre interested in pulque, there is an excellent producer we visit regularly for tastings and pulque to go. ", 11 Mezcal Varieties For Every Level Of Expertise, there are a couple of key differences between the two spirits. Gonzalo and his brothers grow their own agave and make an effort to keep endangered wild agave growing. This tour was so worth it. We can make that happen too. The neighborhoods of Oaxaca make this city one of Mexicos most alluring destinations. Heres our guide to the best areas in town. Reserve accommodations months in advance if you plan on visiting in November for Da de Muertos (Day of the Dead) or in July for the Guelaguetza Festival (a renowned cultural event showcasing Oaxaca's folkloric dance and music). Afterward, the cooked agave is milled with a mechanical grinder, fermented in ground-level wood vats, and finally, it is distilled in copper and wood stills. The plant matures for 10 to 12 years and, once harvested, is cooked in an agave roasting pit. Experience Agave is the first boutique brand dedicated to promoting the history and tradition of agave spiritstequila, mezcal and raicillathrough immersive, educational tour experiences. Santa Catarina de Minas, in Oaxaca, is the birthplace of this mezcal, started by Don Francisco ngeles. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. Youll visit at least two palenques (artisanal mezcal distilleries) that are chosen just before your tour to maximize your exposure to active mezcal production and a variety of maguey varietals. I went on one of my favourite tours I've been on, doing a four day experience with Experience Agave, staying on a palenque and being part of the process of making a pechuga mezcal. I'm an independent traveller. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. However, its not hard to understand its popularity when you start to dig into its rich heritage. We tasted lots of different varieties, were blown away by the quality, and brought back plenty (thanks, Dari, for having the forsight to have some empty bottles available). Plan for warm days and cool nights youll want a light jacket, sweater or wrap for nighttime. Saludos. more. It demands a certain level of attention and restraint. Offered year round. We just really had a fun time getting to know each other. Offered year round. I've been traveling in Mexico for forty years and am a seasoned travel writer. Introductions are taking place and motion sickness medication is being passed around as ClaytonSzczechone of our guides and owner of Experience Agavegently warns us of the trip we are about to undertake. Breakfast is followed by hours of driving, winding through bumpy mountain roads that cut through precariously steep villages. This offering is not only meant to ensure the Virgin's blessing for good production, but it also infuses the liquid with a touch of mysticism and faith. As we pull out the sweaty, darkened chunks of Espadn agave, each of us tastes the roasted slabs, which have softened and caramelised, taking on a subtle flavour from the fire. In this case, the grinding is done by hand, and the distillation takes place in clay pots. Many locals lose this context when they leave for the United States. When bellying up to a mezcal bar, keep in mind that the distilled agave drink packs quite a punch (usually 45% to 50% alcohol content) and it's best sipped slowly to fully appreciate its distinctive aromatic taste.
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