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Process

THE PROCESS

Honoring Tradition, Crafting Excellence

At Victorioso Mezcal, our process is rooted in heritage, precision, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. We do not take shortcuts. Every step, from selecting the finest agave to the final distillation, is done with the utmost care, ensuring that each bottle captures the true spirit of Oaxaca.

The distinctive character of Victorioso Mezcal is shaped by three fundamental elements:

The Unique Terroir – Our agave fields thrive in Oaxaca’s mineral-rich soil, absorbing the region’s distinct climate and geography to develop their complex flavors.

The Agave Varieties – We cultivate and harvest only the finest, fully mature agave plants, allowing them to reach their peak sugar content for a richer mezcal.

Generations of Knowledge – Our process is deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions, passed down through families of mezcaleros who have perfected their craft over time.

Great mezcal starts in the fields. Our master mezcalero, Eugenio Sernas, carefully selects only the most mature agaves, ensuring they have developed the necessary sugars to create a full-bodied and flavorful mezcal. Unlike industrial producers who harvest prematurely for higher yields, we wait until the agave is at its peak, sometimes for over two decades.

Slow Cooking in Earthen Pits

Staying true to a 200-year-old Oaxacan tradition, we roast our agave hearts (piñas) in earthen pit ovens, lined with volcanic rock and fueled by carefully selected hardwoods. This slow, underground roasting process lasts four to five days, allowing the natural sugars to caramelize while infusing the agave with a delicate smokiness that defines authentic mezcal.

Crushing with a Traditional Tahona

Once perfectly roasted, the softened agave is crushed using a tahona, a massive circular millstone traditionally pulled by a mule or horse. This slow and deliberate milling process ensures the fibers release their rich, sweet juices without mechanical interference, preserving the depth and character of the agave.

Natural Fermentation in Open-Air Wooden Vats

Fermentation at Victorioso Mezcal is an organic, unhurried process. The crushed agave pulp and juices are placed in open-air wooden barrels, where wild yeasts naturally initiate fermentation. We do not use commercial additives or temperature control—only nature guides this transformation, developing complex flavors that reflect the environment and the agave’s true essence.

Double Distillation in Copper Stills

Our commitment to purity extends to our small-batch copper pot distillation. Each batch is meticulously distilled twice by hand, under the expert supervision of our maestro mezcalero. The copper stills help refine the spirit, enhancing its smoothness while preserving the full spectrum of flavors extracted from the agave.

Maintaining the Perfect ABV for Maximum Flavor

Unlike mass-market brands that dilute their mezcal to lower alcohol percentages, Victorioso Mezcal is always bottled at a minimum of 45% ABV. This carefully chosen alcohol content is crucial in unlocking the full range of agave flavors, allowing every sip to reveal its natural depth, smokiness, and rich character.

A Testament to Quality and Tradition

Every bottle of Victorioso Mezcal represents more than just a spirit—it is a tribute to heritage, craftsmanship, and the art of true mezcal-making. We remain dedicated to preserving the soul of mezcal, ensuring that when you experience Victorioso, you are tasting mezcal in its purest and most authentic form.

This is not just mezcal. This is Victorioso.

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Process

The character of the mezcal comes from three factors: terroir (the soil and weather conditions of the land where the agave is grown), the type of agave plant, and the local knowledge and traditions that were passed from generation to generation.

Victorioso Mezcal utilize an artisanal approach toward production in order to create an unadulterated style of mezcal. Our mezcalero (Eugenio Sernas) only uses mature agave that have been tested for the sweetness with the highest level of sugar to ensure our mezcal gets the best possible flavors.

In keeping with the 200-year-old tradition, the agave hearts (pina) are cooked in earthen pit ovens, later to be crushed by a circular millstone known as a tahona. Then left in wooden barrels to ferment in the open-air allowing the sugars to break down and naturally occurring yeast thrive. The mezcal is then distilled by hand in traditional copper pots.

Victorioso Mezcal make sure that our mezcal is no less than 45% ABV, which allows you to experience the agave’s tasting notes. Our production methods and family recipes result in high quality pure spirit that give you the best mezcal drinking experience.

Our Process