The Mezcal Cultural Center — Home to the World’s Largest Dedicated Mezcal Archive and Museum — Opens Its Doors in Oaxaca

(Photo: Mezcal Cultural Center)

Over the decades, the small town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico has blossomed into a hyper-concentrated hub for spirits tourism. Industry giants like Jose Cuervo, Sauza and Herradura have built a one-stop shop for all things blue Weber agave; a bona fide Disney World for tequila lovers where every attraction is within arm’s reach.

Hundreds of miles southeast in Oaxaca — mezcal territory — things look a little different. There, even the largest brands rely on small-scale distillers dotted throughout rugged mountains and narrow valleys. For die-hard enthusiasts, a trip to the best spots can take days, weeks or even months.

Oaxaca’s newly opened Mezcal Cultural Center is hoping to remedy that, at least in part.

Housed within a renovated hardware store, the sprawling center boasts over 300 labels sourced from throughout the region. Dotted between upcycled furniture and indoor ponds you’ll find dedicated tasting rooms and a museum exploring the centuries-old history of mezcal production.

 

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The venture is headed up by Itzel Paniagua — a Master Chef finalist — alongside head bartender Pepe Martínez and architect Alonso de la Fuente. Together, the trio hopes to mix gastronomy, mixology and education in one of Mexico’s most celebrated culinary capitals.

For those interested in taking things a step further, guests can purchase a mezcal-tasting passport for 290 pesos (around 16 dollars). Across various rooms, you’ll be treated to niche distillates spanning the likes of agave Tobala, Arroqueño, Barril, Cuixe and more.

With luck, the Mezcal Cultural Center will become not only a destination in its own right, but a stepping stone toward the thousands of family-owned distillers who call Oaxaca home.

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