ALIPÚS: San Baltazar
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in /var/www/wp-content/themes/alipususa/parts/img-all.php on line 7
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in /var/www/wp-content/themes/alipususa/parts/img-all.php on line 7
San Baltazar is at 4100 feet in relatively open hilly countryside. The soils are light (calciferous) and shaly/rocky. Cirilo ferments in very old pine vats. His mezcals are soft, well-fruited, and mineral.
San Baltazar is the most popular Alipús in the Mexican market, and was withdrawn from export at the end of 2013. Mezcaleros nos. 2 and 5 were made here. It is where we shot a video on artisanal mezcal production (2009), found here.
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in /var/www/wp-content/themes/alipususa/parts/img-all.php on line 7
A mill that has crushed a lot of roasted agave. Millstones wear out and need to be replaced.
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in /var/www/wp-content/themes/alipususa/parts/img-all.php on line 7
Fermentation vat. Note the wire holding it together.
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in /var/www/wp-content/themes/alipususa/parts/img-all.php on line 7
Pedro Hernandez placing mushed agave fiber along the top of the pot to seal it when he puts on the top of the chamber.
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in /var/www/wp-content/themes/alipususa/parts/img-all.php on line 7
Pitchforking out the bagasso, the fibers left over after the distillation rum.
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in /var/www/wp-content/themes/alipususa/parts/img-all.php on line 7
Steam rising from the condensing tank.
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in /var/www/wp-content/themes/alipususa/parts/img-all.php on line 7
A lot of distilling is waiting, tending the fire so the heat is steady.
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in /var/www/wp-content/themes/alipususa/parts/img-all.php on line 7
In the San Baltazar cimiteria
Photographs by Katherine Lewis