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Chronicles of a good drink of Mezcal poblano.
In quarantine, in time of pandemic, of covid19, time feels slow, but life goes away the same and doesn't return, live it, make the most of it. Things are slow now, but it’s for our own good, still, we can do something else of equal value. Let me tell you what I am doing, respecting the indications of the contingency.
In order to know about mezcal it is important for me to investigate, read, ask questions, get my hands on the matter, and there is nothing better than going where the job it’s getting done, and talking to the experts. As well as the old man and his patience, the expert in full maturity and the young boy who starts in the business and feels pride on it, and then, I learn from everyone, from the best.
For me to tell you about a good Mezcal, which represents my region, my state, my nation, I have to know what I say, without running the risk of misinformation.
To understand and make those who make time on their life to read me understand, I have to go where the work is done; from walking up the hills looking for maguey and firewood, then carrying everything on my back under the intense sun and feel the incredible itch that the sweat spreads all over my body; until I learn how to keep the delicate balance in the distillations. So, now that I have the time, I'll put on my working boots, hat, backpack, notebook and pen and go out there and investigate all about MEZCAL POBLANO.
A few days ago, I was invited to meet a palenque, from a person I just knew, I had planned to investigate about mezcal that is produced in the region and I was wondering where to start and by coincidence the kind invitation appeared from Karina Barragán Meza, a young and passionate mezcalier from Santiago Coatepec Puebla.
Reaching Santiago Coatepec is an epic adventure, between dirt roads, high hills and panoramic views that are continually changing giving me a feeling of calm and joy, seeing the enormous diversity in those lands is incredible, there, freedom is breathed.
Arriving takes about an hour and a half from my San Antonio Texcala, due to being a first time visitor, I had to ask for directions so I don’t lose my track in the middle of the hills; that gave my trip an incredible touch of adventure.
At last, after passing through the communities of Zapotitlan Salinas, San Martin del Valle Acatepec, Caltepec and San Luis Atlolititlan I arrived at the end of the dirt road, where a small town full of mezcal history awaits us, pride of an entire state.
In Coatepec breathes a different life, a total calm that, although they are aware of the world situation, makes me feel hopeful that everything will return to normal and we will continue with our lives.
I was greeted by the smiles of the children who play in the streets, although you are a stranger to them, the arrival of vehicles with people visiting one of their treasures is normal, they thank you with the innocent cordiality of being a kid and me ask them for directions is so simple and all at the same time want to give me directions with joy.
Further on, men on horseback, wearing hats and huaraches, with a frank look but without being aggressive, the greeting is cordial, while we go horse and car side by side the question is: looking for mezcal? Yes sir! You have come to the rigth place, we have one of the best. And the rider with his horse go down to another street and a farewell hears as they go away.
Getting to the destination is easy, adventurous and distant but easy, and the welcome could not be better, there, among a working family, each one of them with smiles, instructions, haste and planning the day, I find my self happy. I get there early, they didn't expect me at that time, still, that was not a problem, on the contrary, since my feet walk on their front step of their home I felt wellcome, they make sure of making me feel at home and that's appreciated.
What was planned as a short visit, a question and answer session, photos and tasting their famous mezcal turned into a 15-hour day chopping and grinding the cachota (agave heart) and putting it to ferment, with healthy coexistence, laughter, drinks of mezcal, delicious food and family, all of that made me feel like I was in a haven mezcal. They trusted me with so many things, their history, from their beginnings, their suffering until they got to where they are now and how proud they are and how far everyone wants to go, united as a family, I spent the night there, I had mezcal for breakfast and for diner as well, and the next day, I had lunch again, as a family.
Ladies and gentlemen who love mezcal, life and fortune took me, without knowing it, to the heart of the home of the Meza Correa family, one of the families that has a very rich history in the culture of mezcal, with four generations in charge of very high quality artisan production in the state of Puebla and that makes a watershed in my research work.
If God gives me license, I will write the tales of each one of them, because it is so wonderful to just summarize it in a few lines, and I have plans to visit other mezcalero másters in the region and thus collect the history and culture of our one hundred percent made mezcal in the Mixteca Poblana.
Thank you Melecio Meza Correa for opening the doors of your home and committing yourself to future projects, with your vision and the history of your family great and beautiful things will be written in the history of mezcal in Mexico.
Karina, you are an impetuous mezcalier, you will go as far or even more than your uncle, I wish you success.
Meza family, don Vicente Meza, sir, thank you for your humility, God bless you and I hope that your story is written forever.
By Martin Carrillo Espinosa
From San Antonio Texcala
Puebla State
Desert flower Texcala
How can I watch the film online, guys?
Kiss of Mezcal will haunt you for the rest of your days! Fascinating!
