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Onward Together! with Sanzekan Mezcal

Solidarity with the Future of Mezcal

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Experience Mezcal is working with Sanzekan Mezcal to support their program of mezcal “Solidarity Bonds.” Sanzekan Tinemi (“Onward Together,” in the Nahuatl language) is a 24-year old cooperative of indigenous people from Guerrero state’s central foothills region around Chilapa de Álvarez. They are dedicated to their people’s economic and social development through the sustainable use of natural resources.

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Mezcal is a fundamental part of their traditional culture, and over twenty maestros mezcaleros are among their members. They produce excellent mezcals from the wild “papalote” (Agave cupreata), which they reforest thousands of each year. Unfortunately, the current mezcal boom is not primarily benefitting traditional producers using sustainable practices. Times are extremely tough in Guerrero, and there is great pressure from outsiders to speed up the traditional process at the expense of quality. For these reasons, Sanzekan is launching a “Solidarity Bond” program.

Statement from Sanzekan Mezcal

Neither maguey nor mezcal have any point without our people and our culture. That’s why we ensure that the proceeds from our products make it back to the communities that are preserving their heritage.

Mezcal Sanzekan, the collective brand of mezcal from Guerrero’s central mountain region, personifies the traditions of mezcal country. We take good care of our natural resources to ensure a sustainable product. Today, Mezcal Sanzekan takes on the task of showing our own people and others how commitment and love of the land can bear fruit. Mezcal has the ability to create human connection, sparked by the passion and dedication of everyone who participates in it. The proceeds of these Solidarity Bonds with serve to strengthen the mezcal producers in our organization. Stand in solidarity with mezcal culture and become a part of the Mezcal Sanzekan project!

What are Solidarity Bonds?

Sanzekan will be issuing 200 Solidarity Bonds for certified mezcal and 200 solidarity bonds for non-certified mezcal. Each Bond is worth one liter of mezcal, to be redeemed after production and resting / aging in glass, as is traditional.

Certified Mezcal Solidarity Bond

Cost: $65 / liter

This mezcal is certified by COMERCAM, mezcal’s regulatory body. It may be sold in commercial establishments. 

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  • The bond holder’s mezcal will be rested in glass in Sanzekan’s aging cellar, in a dedicated space bearing the bond holder’s name.
  • The mezcal will be matured in the cellar for two years, and then delivered to Chilapa de Alvarez or Mexico City.
  • The mezcal will be bottled and labeled under the Sanzekan brand.
  • The bearer will have access to the cellar (one week’s notice required).
  • The bearer will receive a ficha técnica (“spec sheet”) for their mezcal.
  • The bearer will receive photos of their mezcal being produced.
  • The bearer will be able to visit the distillery of their maestro mezcalero (one week’s notice required).
  • The bearer may choose from one of the following maestros mezcaleros: Refugio, Ciro, or Lorenzo.[/bulletlist]

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Non-certified Mezcal Solidarity Bond

Cost: $ 40 / liter

This mezcal is NOT certified by COMERCAM, mezcal’s regulatory body. It may NOT be sold in commercial establishments. It is of the same quality as the certified mezcal. 

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  • The bond holder’s mezcal will be rested in glass in Sanzekan’s aging cellar, in a dedicated space bearing the bond holder’s name.
  • The mezcal will be matured in the cellar for two years, and then delivered to Chilapa de Alvarez or Mexico City.
  • The mezcal will be bottled and labeled under the Sanzekan brand.
  • The bearer will have access to the cellar (one week’s notice required).
  • The bearer will receive a ficha técnica (“spec sheet”) for their mezcal.
  • The bearer will receive photos of their mezcal being produced.
  • The bearer will be able to visit the distillery of their maestro mezcalero (one week’s notice required).
  • The bearer may choose from one of the following maestros mezcaleros: Refugio, Ciro, Lorenzo, Tomás, Benigno, Faustino, Antonio, Lucino, Silvestre, Amancio.

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Minimum Purchase

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  • The minimum purchase is 3.75 Bonds (per maestro mezcalero), as the smallest glass carboy used for aging is 3.75 liters (approximately one US gallon).
  • Minimum certified Solidarity Bond purchase $243.75
  • Minimum non-certified Solidarity Bond purchase $150

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Payment

 

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  • Experience Mezcal is taking payment for Sanzekan Solidarity Bonds in the US, in order to support Sanzekan. We are not making a profit, but have added a 5% processing fee to the original price to cover bank fees. This fee is included in the pricing above.
  • Experience Mezcal will email a scan of the physical Bond, and mail the originals as soon as is feasible.
  • Experience Mezcal can take receipt of matured mezcal in Mexico City, where it will be held for Bearer.
  • Experience Mezcal will work with bearers to get their mezcal to the US, but there will be a fee for this service.
  • We are pleased to announce that the Solidarity Bonds for the US have sold out! Thank you all for your support.

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We are excited to support Sanzekan and offer our friends in the US this opportunity. If you have any questions, please write us.

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