Mal de Amor is a family-owned mezcal producer based in Santiago Matatlán, in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, whose palenque was established in 2010. It is run by brothers Armando and Álvaro Hernández, members of a Zapotec family with a mezcal-making tradition spanning several generations.

The brothers grew up among agave fields and, after spending time away from their hometown, returned to Santiago Matatlán to build Palenque Mal de Amor. Their work combines inherited family knowledge with agaves from different parts of Oaxaca, whose origins contribute to the diversity of flavors. Part of the family’s land is dedicated to growing agave to preserve the supply for future generations.

During artisanal production, the agaves are slow-roasted in underground ovens for four to five days, then crushed using a horse-drawn stone wheel known as a tahona. Fermentation occurs naturally with wild yeasts and takes approximately five to ten days. This is followed by double distillation in copper stills heated over direct fire. Some expressions then rest in glass vessels, allowing their aromatic profiles to gradually settle and develop.

Alongside mezcal sales, the producer offers distillery visits, guided tastings, tourist excursions, and a restaurant serving Oaxacan cuisine, connecting its products with the region’s gastronomy and culture.