History

In the 17th century, the Spanish Crown, in an effort to control pre-Hispanic cultures, established a prohibition on the production of “native wines,” such as mezcal. Only table wines, for Creole consumption, were allowed in New Spain. This forced mezcal producers into secrecy. In old Valladolid, mezcalerías hid in the forested mountains of Mil Cumbres. Out of sight of the Spaniards but close to the Camino Real, they continued producing Cupreata mezcal. And to transport it, they had the brilliant idea of storing it in French oak barrels, normally used for table wines. To everyone’s surprise, the smoky flavor of Cupreata mezcal combined perfectly with the woody tones of French oak. And this is the recipe that persists in a bottle of Barrica Mil Cumbres.