Bozal
Bozal Mezcal: Mexico's Wild Craft
Bozal Mezcal sources its agave from the rugged, isolated hills of Oaxaca and Guerrero , where it grows wild . These indigenous varieties, unique to their region, offer exotic aromas, blending rich earthy notes with smoky flavors, traditionally extracted from the heart of the agave to create a mezcal that is both wild and refined. The name "Bozal," which means "wild" in Spanish, perfectly reflects this philosophy: only untamed agave gives rise to an exceptional spirit.
Although distributed by a Californian company, Bozal Mezcal embodies Mexican craftsmanship and traditions. Local mezcaleros travel to remote areas to carefully identify different species and subgenera of agave, avoiding arbitrary blending and preserving the uniqueness of each harvest.
Launched in early 2017 , the brand offers eight distinct varieties, including five limited editions. Each bottle, often made of rustic ceramic in light brown, blue, or dark hues, highlights the unique personality of the agave it contains.
A handcrafted production that respects tradition
Bozal Mezcal follows a traditional 200-year-old method. The agave hearts, separated from their leaves, are cooked in pit ovens dug into the earth , a process that develops the characteristic smoky notes. They are then ground and crushed using a stone wheel (tahona) powered by a horse or ox, allowing the juices necessary for fermentation to be extracted.
Fermentation takes place in open air in wooden vats or clay jars, without the addition of artificial yeasts , relying solely on those naturally present. The mezcal is then purified through double distillation . For Reserva mezcals, the "Ancestrale" tradition is upheld with exclusive distillation in clay jars, limiting production to 60 liters per day and guaranteeing small, artisanal batches.
For Sacrificio mezcals, an ancestral ritual is applied during the final distillation: animal proteins (chicken, lamb or pork), seasonal wild fruits and local cereals are suspended in a basket at the bottom of the still, following recipes passed down from generation to generation.
Respect and preservation of agaves
The wild agaves featured by Bozal Mezcal take between 7 and 19 years to reach maturity, making them particularly precious to mezcal producers. Each harvested maguey is replaced by two new plants replanted in a mountain nursery before being reintroduced into their natural habitat after one to two years, ensuring the sustainability of the species and ecosystems.
A community commitment
Bozal Mezcal also supports local communities. A portion of the production revenue paid by 3 Badge Beverage Corp. funds community projects in the villages where the mezcal is made, strengthening the link between tradition and local development. Read less
