Dos Pasiones Mezcal

Epigmenio Martinez Perez was born in 1931 in Santa Maria Albarradas, Oaxaca. After losing his father and brother to violent deaths at a young age, he took on the responsibility of caring for his family. With his uncle's help, he began making mezcal in 1943, despite it being illegal and dangerous work. The allure of the craft drew him in, from harvesting wild agaves to distilling the liquor in makeshift palenques. During this time, music also entered his life, with the clarinet providing solace and an escape from his arduous days.

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In 1951, after his mother's death, Epigmenio continued supporting his younger brother and worked for various mezcal distillers. His experiences under the bracero program in the U.S. broadened his perspective, and upon returning to Mexico, he married Facunda Juarez Ruiz. Determined to build a better life for his family, he returned to Santa Maria in 1959 to plant the seeds of his dream. Decades later, in 1999, he opened his first official distillery. Today, at 91, Epigmenio remains active in mezcal production alongside his sons, Diego and Edgar. He continues to share his intertwined passions for music and mezcal, embodying the spirit of Oaxaca.

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Current Expressions:

• Espadin

• Jabali

• Tepeztate