By Alfredo Espinola
In San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca, the earth opens up to give life to agave and at the same time preserve the memory of those who have worked it for generations. From this silent dialogue between nature and tradition, Mezcal Mil Tiempos was born, a project that is both a tribute and a statement of principles, since mezcal is not just a drink, it is culture, identity, and a sensory experience.
Ignacio Flores and María Inés Espinoza, founders of the brand, speak of its history with deep respect. In each answer, the key word is time: the time of the agaves, the communities, the ancestors, and those who keep this heritage alive today.
How was Mezcal Mil Tiempos born and what inspired its name?
Born with the vision of preserving the cultural legacy of mezcal, “Mil Tiempos” evokes the sum of memories and flavors, from the indigenous communities that domesticated the agave to the master mezcaleros who today take care of every step of the process. Our name is a tribute to that collective memory that lives on in every bottle.
Who is behind the brand and what is their connection to mezcal?
The protagonists are the master mezcal makers. We, Ignacio and María Inés, are a bridge between their art and consumers. Our connection to mezcal stems from a passion and respect for the cultural heritage of our ancestors.
Where does your production come from?
Our mezcal comes from San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca, a land that holds centuries of tradition and reminds us that each agave plant is also a living archive of history.
The Mil Tiempos philosophy is based on three pillars: respecting the rhythms of nature, honoring ancestral knowledge, and ensuring that the artisanal essence remains intact.
What sets you apart from other brands in an increasingly competitive market?
Meticulous care. We respect the entire cycle of each agave, from maturation to distillation in copper or clay. Each stage is treated as an act of respect for nature and for those who have passed down this knowledge for generations.
What does “Mil Tiempos” mean in sensory terms?
Each agave spends years under the sun, absorbing minerals from the earth and the influence of the climate. All that time is converted into unique flavors and aromas. Drinking Mil Tiempos is like traveling through landscapes, memories, and emotions.
In terms of sustainability, what actions have you taken?
We reforest agaves, manage waste sustainably, and financially support master mezcal makers and their communities. We believe that the growing demand for mezcal will only be positive if it is managed conscientiously.
What do you want consumers to discover when they try Mil Tiempos?
That they are not just drinking a spirit, but an experience that connects them to the land, history, and tradition.
And how do you envision the future of the brand?
Adapting to new trends, launching special editions and collaborations, but without losing our essence. Our biggest dream is for Mil Tiempos to be recognized worldwide as a quality product that, in every drop, preserves the soul of artisanal mezcal.
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