Río de Parras, Michoacan, is home to dozens of mezcaleros. Drive through this small town of just over 600 people, and you’d be excused if you thought every other person was making spirits from the agave inaequidens growing abundantly in the region.

We came to Río de Parras through Isidro Rodriguez Montoya, a mezcalero we met in early 2019. We were taken with his in-ground ovens and fermenters, his hand milling, and his copper “carnitas pot” stills with the enormous wooden condensers — and, of course, we were taken with his wonderful spirits.

So when 818 Tequila offered us funding to support the rural Mexican communities making heritage agave spirits, Isidro was one of the first people we thought about. He invited us to attend a community meeting, which led to our participation in multiple community meetings, as the elders of the town considered what might best help them improve their town.

In the end, they asked us to help them build a plaza del comunidad — a community plaza — where they could host their religious fiestas and family celebrations. They’ve been having to rent space for the largest of these celebrations in the next town over, which is costly and puts them at the mercy of the other town’s calendar. This new plaza gives them independence, but also gives the local youth a place to play basketball or soccer — gives them options for gathering after school or work. 

Like all of the SACRED projects funded by 818 Tequila, a rain-harvest system will be installed on the roof of the plaza. The plaza is being built entirely by people within the community — many of whom are themselves mezcaleros. We’ll be following their progress over the next several weeks, and are excited to note that they broke ground May 16, 2022.

Thanks to 818 Tequila for their support in having a positive impact in yet another community in rural Mexico!