Mezcal Vago Ensamble en Barro is a premium ancestral mezcal handcrafted by maestro mezcalero Salomón Rey Rodríguez, known as Tío Rey, in the Sola de Vega region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Each batch is a unique blend of agave varieties that may include Espadín, Barril, Coyote, Sierra Negra, and Mexicano, making every release distinct. The agave is roasted in underground stone pit ovens, hand-crushed with wooden mallets, naturally fermented in open wooden vats, and double-distilled in traditional clay pot stills (ollas de barro), a centuries-old technique that imparts a distinctive mineral character to the spirit. Produced in small batches, this mezcal reflects the craftsmanship and ancestral traditions of the Sola de Vega region. The tropical terroir contributes layered aromas and flavors of wet earth, dried stone fruits, honey, herbs, and gentle smoke, with subtle variations from batch to batch. Bottled at high proof, Ensamble en Barro is intended for slow sipping, offering a rich and authentic expression of Oaxaca’s ancestral mezcal heritage.
Producer
Mezcal Vago is a Mexican artisanal mezcal producer based in the state of Oaxaca, specializing in small-batch mezcals crafted by independent maestro mezcaleros and their families. The brand was founded by Judah Kuper and Dylan Sloan with the goal of showcasing authentic regional mezcal styles while preserving traditional production methods passed down through generations. Rather than operating a single distillery, Mezcal Vago collaborates with several family-owned producers across different regions of Oaxaca, each using their own techniques and local agave varieties. Agave is roasted in underground stone pit ovens, crushed with a traditional tahona stone wheel or by hand, naturally fermented in open wooden vats, and distilled in either copper stills or clay pot stills, depending on local tradition. Every bottle includes detailed information about the agave variety, place of origin, mezcalero, batch number, and distillation date, ensuring complete traceability. The brand places a strong emphasis on preserving cultural heritage, maintaining fair partnerships with producers, and promoting the sustainable cultivation of agave.