Mezcal Meztlán Arroqueño: Award-Winning Oaxacan Mezcal

Nestled in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca—the world capital of mezcal— Mezcal Meztlán is more than a brand. It is a living tribute to family tradition, Zapotec culture, and the spiritual depth of the agave plant. Founded by Ignacio Gutiérrez Santiago, Meztlán represents four generations of mezcaleros who remain committed to honoring ancestral knowledge while producing authentic, small-batch mezcal of exceptional quality.

The label of Mezcal Meztlán Arroqueño, an award-winning artisanal mezcal crafted with 18-year-old agaves.

International Recognition for Mezcal Meztlán

In 2024, Meztlán Arroqueño mezcal earned international recognition with a Silver Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, one of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions. With more than 200 entries judged by an international panel, this honor places Meztlán among the top producers of artisanal agave spirits in Oaxaca.

But the story behind this award-winning mezcal goes far beyond medals.

18 Years in the Making

The Arroqueño agaves used in this expression were planted by Ignacio’s grandfather and father nearly two decades ago. When his grandfather passed away in 2022 at the age of 91, the agaves had just reached maturity. In 2023, Ignacio and his father harvested plants weighing 200–300 kilograms each, transforming four tons of this majestic agave into mezcal using entirely traditional, artisanal methods.

From roasting in underground pit ovens to double distillation in copper stills, every step honored Zapotec heritage. Only the finest cuts—the “puntas” and “cuerpo”—were selected, resulting in a rich, creamy mezcal with exceptional clarity and layered flavor.

Maestro mezcalero Ignacio Gutiérrez Santiago shares the heart of the mezcal-making process in his family palenque.

What Makes Arroqueño Mezcal Special?

Arroqueño is a wild agave variety known for its impressive size, long maturation period, and bold character. Its natural complexity translates into mezcal with profound depth and elegance.

Tasting notes for Mezcal Meztlán Arroqueño:

• Creamy, buttery texture that coats the palate

• Refined earthiness from deep agave roots and slow fermentation

• Floral and mineral notes balanced by subtle sweetness

• A lingering finish that feels more ritual than beverage

  
  

At 47% ABV, this mezcal delivers both strength and refinement—perfectly embodying Meztlán’s guiding phrase: “Everything you do, do it with all your soul.”

Sustainability and Cultural Legacy

For Ignacio and his team, sharing mezcal is about cultural preservation. “Gotita por gotita” (drop by drop), they are bringing the flavors and traditions of Oaxaca to drinkers worldwide. Just as importantly, they are committed to sustainability—replanting wild agave, recycling water for irrigation, and composting bagazo as organic fertilizer—to ensure mezcal’s future for generations to come.

A lineup of Mezcal Meztlán expressions, each handcrafted in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca—the world capital of mezcal.

Explore the Meztlán Collection

This Silver Medal-winning Arroqueño is now part of Meztlán’s U.S. lineup, alongside Espadín, Cuishe, Tobalá, Tepeztate, Pechuga, and Jabali. Each varietal reflects a distinct facet of Oaxaca’s landscape and mezcalero artistry, made exclusively through ancestral production techniques.

An Invitation to Taste Tradition

Whether you’re a seasoned mezcal aficionado or exploring mezcal for beginners, Meztlán Arroqueño invites you to savor more than a spirit—it’s a story of family, legacy, patience, and the enduring soul of Oaxaca.

Ready to taste award-winning mezcal?Ask for Meztlán Arroqueño at your local mezcal-forward bar or retailer—or explore our offerings directly through Passport Destilados.

This isn’t just another bottle.It’s a medal-winning mezcal that carries the spirit of Oaxaca in every drop.