Tour Description: This new tour will visit the fields around Santiago Matatlan, often called the “world capital of mezcal,” where we are able to see different species of agaves. On the way out we will stop at Wichos to get donuts etc to be sure there is something in our stomachs
before sampling many mezcals. We will then visit the Palenque Mal de Amor distillery for Illegal Mezcal, a brand dedicated to sustainability and biodiversity. This project has fulfilled a lifelong dream of the Hernández brothers, who were raised in the area. For this tour we will hop on the special mezcal barrel truck and go into the fields, drink directly from a plant, learn about the agave plants, and then tour the processing area.
The mezcal is handcrafted in small batches by fourth generation mezcaleros. After seeing all the processes for baking, smashing, fermenting, and distilling we will sample some mezcals. After we finish the mezcal tasting (and maybe buying) we will move on to a pulqueria for an explanation and tasing of the pulque, and a discussion of the difference between pulque and mezcal.
Lunch will be at the fabulous Reynita in Tule on the way back, and we’ll pay a visit to the famed El Árbol del Tule, located in the church grounds in the town center of Santa Maria del Tule. It is a Montezuma cypress tree that is more than 2000 years old. It is said to have the stoutest trunk in the world. It is so large that it was originally thought to be multiple trees, but DNA tests have proven that it is only one tree. Local Zapotec knowledge holds that it was planted about 1,400 years ago by Pechocha, a priest of the Aztec wind god Ehecatl. This age is in broad agreement with the scientific estimate,
As part of an official project local schoolchildren give tourists a tour of the tree and point out shapes of creatures on the trunk
Note: Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bring water for our time in the
fields.
Not included: Cost of lunch; any mezcal you wish to purchase; donuts.
Additional cost: 100 pesos for Mezcal bus; 50 pesos at the Tule tree.
This tour will depart on time at 9:30 am from Calle Los Libres behind the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Unclaimed seats may be re-sold at boarding time.
Online ticket sales end at 7 pm the day before the tour. If the tour is sold out, you can take a chance that seats may be available and come to the boarding spot 15 minutes before departure. These seats must be paid for in cash.
No Refunds will be available. If you are not able to attend the event, you are welcome to sell your reservation to others. Please notify the library of change of name for reservation.