Oaxaca – Mezcal Voices Barrilbús

Oaxaca, Mexico is renowned for its rich mezcal culture, and the Mezcal Voices Barrilbús experience offers a captivating glimpse into this age-old tradition. Participants embark on an immersive journey, visiting local palenques to witness the craftsmanship behind mezcal production. Through engaging with the Santiago Matatlátan community, guests uncover the spiritual and historical significance of this distinctive spirit. With expert guidance, they’ll savor exquisite tastings, leaving with a deeper appreciation for the art of mezcal-making. This experience promises to unveil the heart of Oaxaca’s vibrant mezcal culture, whetting the appetite for those seeking to dive deeper.

Key Points

• Mezcal Voices Barrilbús is a tour operator that offers an immersive 8-hour experience exploring four distinct mezcal distilleries (palenques) in the Santiago Matatlán region of Oaxaca.
• The tour includes learning about traditional mezcal production methods, engaging with the local community, and tasting mezcal and cream samples for a sensory experience.
• Transportation and accessibility are provided, with round-trip transportation from a centrally located departure point and wheelchair accessibility to ensure an inclusive experience.
• Feedback from a single review indicates issues with local agency service, guide quality, and restaurant experience, suggesting the need to seek better agencies and itineraries.
• Mezcal production in Oaxaca is rooted in longstanding traditions, with artisanal makers passing down expertise and rituals through generations, and the tour offering culture.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The tour offers an 8-hour immersive experience, priced from Kč514 per person.

Travelers can check availability to see starting times and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour features a "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing guests to book their spot without paying today.

The departure and return point is located one block from Oaxaca’s main square, with round-trip transportation included.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all guests.

Experience Highlights

Visitors embarking on this immersive mezcal experience will explore four distinct Palenques, or mezcal distilleries.

They’ll dive into the intricate process of mezcal production, from touring agave fields to accessing exclusive maturation cellars.

The experience highlights include:

• Engaging with the Santiago Matatlán community to learn about their rich cultural heritage
• Observing skilled artisans demonstrate the art of mezcal craftsmanship
• Trekking through scenic maguey fields, the source of the essential agave plant
• Savoring cream and mezcal tastings, immersing the senses in this traditional Mexican spirit.

This comprehensive tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the world of Oaxacan mezcal, showcasing the region’s vibrant history and traditions.

Transportation and Accessibility

Departures and returns take place at Av. José Maria Morelos #701, Col. Centro, Oaxaca, just one block from the city’s main square.

Round-trip transportation is included for the convenience of participants. The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

With a comfortable departure point and accessible transportation, visitors can focus on seeing the mezcal culture without worrying about logistics.

The seamless transportation arrangements allow guests to fully engage with the highlights of the tour, including visiting mezcal palenques, exploring agave fields, and interacting with the local Santiago Matatlán community.

Inclusions and What to Bring

The tour includes a tourist coordinator, passenger insurance, cream and mezcal tastings, and a meal.

Recommended items for the tour include:

• Comfortable shoes to explore the agave fields
• A sun hat to protect against the Oaxacan sun
• Sunscreen to shield your skin
• Comfortable, breathable clothing for a day of activities

Ensuring you have the proper attire and essentials will enhance your experience as you explore the rich culture and production of mezcal with skilled artisans.

The inclusions and recommendations aim to provide a seamless and enjoyable mezcal learning journey.

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Customer Feedback

While the tour holds promise of an immersive mezcal experience, the overall customer feedback paints a less than favorable picture.

Based on a single review, the tour received a 1/5 rating, with complaints about poor local agency service, delays, lack of guide, mixed quality of palenques visited, and an unsatisfactory restaurant experience.

The review recommends looking for better agencies and itineraries to ensure a more satisfactory mezcal learning experience.

Given the significant investment of time and money, prospective travelers may want to thoroughly research alternative options that can better deliver on the tour’s highlights and inclusions.

Mezcal Production Process

Typically, the mezcal production process begins with the careful selection and harvesting of mature agave plants, often referred to as maguey.

The production of this artisanal spirit involves several key steps:

• Roasting the agave in earthen pits to caramelize the natural sugars
• Crushing the roasted agave using a large stone wheel called a tahona
• Fermenting the agave juice in wooden vats using natural yeast
• Distilling the fermented liquid in traditional copper or clay stills

This labor-intensive process results in the rich, smoky flavor that distinguishes mezcal from other agave-based spirits.

Traditions and Culture

Mezcal production in Oaxaca is deeply rooted in longstanding traditions and cultural practices. For generations, artisanal mezcal makers have passed down their expertise, rituals, and reverence for the agave plant.

The process of cultivating, harvesting, and distilling mezcal is imbued with indigenous knowledge and a profound connection to the land.

Visitors can enjoy this rich heritage by engaging with the Santiago Matatlán community, witnessing traditional techniques, and exploring the spiritual and symbolic significance of mezcal.

This cultural exchange offers a meaningful window into the enduring traditions that shape Oaxaca’s acclaimed mezcal industry.

Recommended Palenques

Visitors seeking an authentic mezcal experience will find several highly recommended palenques, or distilleries, in the Santiago Matatlán region.

These family-run operations offer a glimpse into the time-honored traditions of mezcal production:

• Palenque Tessé: Known for its award-winning mezcals and immersive tours of agave fields and distillation process.

• Palenque Los Danzantes: Renowned for its exceptional mezcal varietals and commitment to sustainable practices.

• Palenque El Cortijo: Offers exclusive access to its maturation cellars, where the mezcal’s complex flavors develop.

• Palenque Mezcal El Pechuga: Specializes in the traditional pechuga method, producing a unique and sought-after mezcal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Age of Mezcal Producers in the Region?

The average age of mezcal producers in the region is difficult to pinpoint, but many are multi-generational family businesses passed down over decades. The craft requires significant experience and expertise, which is typically gained over a lifetime.

Are There Any Special Rules or Regulations for Exporting Mezcal?

There are strict regulations for exporting mezcal from Mexico. Producers must obtain an export permit and follow labeling requirements. Mezcal shipments are also subject to customs inspections to ensure authenticity and compliance with safety standards.

How Do Local Communities Ensure Sustainable Agave Harvesting?

Local communities implement sustainable agave harvesting practices, including selective cutting, regrowth monitoring, and implementing harvest quotas. This ensures the long-term viability of the agave plants that are the cornerstone of mezcal production.

What Are the Most Common Mezcal Serving Traditions in Oaxaca?

In Oaxaca, mezcal is commonly served neat in small clay cups called copitas, often accompanied by orange slices and sal de gusano (worm salt). The ritual of sharing and savoring mezcal is an integral part of local culture.

Are There Any Lesser-Known Types of Mezcal Unique to This Area?

Along With the more well-known mezcal varieties, Oaxaca is home to several lesser-known agave distillates unique to the region, such as Tepextate, Jabali, and Tobalà, each with its own distinct flavor profile and production methods.

Recap

The Mezcal Voices Barrilbús tour in Oaxaca offers an immersive and enriching experience for those seeking to explore the vibrant culture and history of mezcal production. Visitors can witness the traditional techniques, savor exquisite tastings, and gain insights into the spiritual significance of this iconic spirit, making it a must-do for any mezcal enthusiast visiting the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: