Corte Vetusto Mezcal Ensamble II

About Corte Vetusto

El Corte Vetusto ― "the ancient cut" in Spanish ― takes its inspiration from Zapotec legends. It is said that the god of thunder Cocijo struck the Oaxacan valleys with lightning, filling the air with the sweet and smoky aromas of agave. The local mezcaleros have been perfecting their craft for centuries, trying to recreate "the ancient cut" ― a cut of mezcal worthy of that moment, worthy of the gods. They go about it the natural way, as tradition would have it.

In charge of Corte Vetusto mezcal is Juan Carlos Gonzalez Diaz, 4th generation mezcalero. He has been invested in the process since childhood, first watching his father learn the craft, then eventually taking up the mantle himself. The art, wisdom, and skill are in his blood, having been passed down from his great grandfather Don Mauro. Developing his own style over the years and leaving behind the life as an architect, Carlos heard the call of mezcal once again. Enlisting the help (and machete) of Don Santiago, they produce hand-crafted artisanal mezcal of the finest quality using traditional methods: harvesting by hand, slow-roasting in earthen fire pits, open-air fermentation in wooden vats, and double distillation in copper or clay stills.