Visiting a *palenque* on your own

One of the questions we hear most often at the bar is, "How can I visit a *palenque* while I'm in Oaxaca?" We are always happy to point people toward a reliable contact, depending on what they really want to see and experience. I feel there are essentially two options, depending on the energy and budget you want to invest in this adventure; since there are no *palenques* (or distilleries) within Oaxaca City itself, you have to travel out to find them—which is an adventure in its own right.

The first option is the simplest and most affordable; we consider it ideal for those with limited time who aren't necessarily interested in the technical details of the various mezcal production methods.

We recommend visiting the town of Santiago Matatlán—the "Mezcal Capital"—on your own. Located just an hour from the city, it is home to over two hundred registered *palenques*. As the world's largest mezcal-producing region, it is well-equipped to welcome all kinds of tourists. It is easy to get there, learn about the process, enjoy a tasting, and return to Oaxaca City independently—whether by private vehicle or by using the famous Oaxacan shared taxis (*taxis colectivos*) that run constantly.

For a truly immersive experience in Matatlán, I recommend a tasting at the *Gracias a Dios* palenque. They offer a tour that includes their own agave nursery and beautifully maintained production areas, and you can sample their various mezcals. The *maestro* (master distiller) is usually on-site working, so you can chat with him directly.

If you are looking for a deeper, more specialized experience, I always recommend visiting *Palenque Cariño Mío*, run by our friend, the *maestro* Jesús Jiménez. It is a much smaller operation, as he handles most of the work himself. It is a young *palenque* that—like many others—is making its way through its own efforts, but Jesús is a fantastic producer who will involve you in the process and offer you friendly, personal attention.

It is a straightforward excursion that you can easily fit into half a day, combining it with visits to other tourist attractions along the same route. That is how many of us started—simply out of curiosity—but once you actually visit a *palenque* (mezcal distillery), a true love for this culture takes hold.

Another way to visit *palenques* and continue to be captivated by this wonderful mezcal culture is to book a specialized tour. These guides take you to places that are difficult to reach on your own—not just because the roads often lack signage, but because these experts have spent years scouting the best locations and will educate you throughout the journey.

Here is a list of recommendations, in no particular order:

Omar Muñoz and his project, **Gracias Oaxaca**, driven by his tireless quest for knowledge regarding the chemical and physical processes involved in mezcal production.

Edgar Altamirano and his project, **Mezconauta**, which offers incredible experiences at truly fascinating *palenques* while sharing his industry expertise.

And our friend Edgar León with the project **Custom Mezcal Tours**; he was one of the first people to introduce me to the world of Oaxacan mezcal and take me to visit my very first *palenques*.

I hope this list helps you on your next journey into Oaxacan mezcal culture. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and share your own *palenque* experiences with us.

Mezcal Speakeasy