Fidencio Mezcal

Image gallery

VISIT THIS PRODUCER'S WEBSITE
VISIT IMPORTER'S WEBSITE
Country of Origin: Mexico
Location: Santiago Matatlán
People: Enrique Jiménez, Mezcalero
Viticulture: Practicing Biodynamic

Items

The story of Fidencio has two parts: (1) the history of Fabrica de Mezcal del Amigo and the Jiménez family and (2) the founding of Fidencio Spirits.

Fabrica de Mezcal del Amigo
Fabrica de Mezcal del Amigo is the distillery that produces Fidencio Mezcal. Fidencio Jiménez, the namesake of Fidencio Mezcal, began making mezcal over 100 years ago after moving to Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca. His journey as a mezcalero was one of trial and error, learning from peers and his mistakes. In those early days, equipment was crafted from the land: clay pots were used for fermentation, distillation, and storage, while river reeds served as tubing. Fidencio worked closely with his son, Enrique, to perfect their craft and pass their knowledge to the next generation.

When Fidencio's grandson, Isaac Jiménez, became the mezcalero, several technological advancements were adopted. In the 1930s, the introduction of copper stills greatly improved both the efficiency and safety of production. In 1943, the Pan-American Highway reached Oaxaca, revolutionizing the region by making transportation faster and cheaper. Around this time, oak barrels replaced clay pots for storage, which led to an unexpected development: aging. A batch of mezcal, often transported town by town, sometimes took months to sell. During this time in the oak barrels, the mezcal absorbed additional, complex flavors.

By the 1950s, business was thriving, and profits were reinvested to purchase land and expand the agave fields, giving the family complete control over quality and production. By the 1980s, the Jiménez family was aging, bottling, and exporting their mezcal. The torch was passed to the fourth generation of Jiménez mezcaleros: brothers Octavio and Enrique. While Enrique learned the craft during his youth, he left to attend university in Oaxaca, where he earned a degree in industrial chemical engineering. Unable to resist the call of his roots, Enrique returned to the family business, bringing fresh ideas. In 1993, Octavio and Enrique began bottling under their brand Mezcal del Maestro.

Always an innovator, Enrique dreamed of creating a mezcal that was the purest expression of Espadín. In 2006, Enrique branched out on his own to build a new distillery: Fabrica de Mezcal del Amigo. Designed entirely by Enrique, this distillery retained traditional features while incorporating a revolutionary radiant heat oven, inspired by tequila distilleries. The first of its kind in Oaxaca, this oven became the cornerstone of Fidencio Unico (Sin Humo). Today, Enrique brings generations of tradition to Fidencio Mezcal and his own label, Del Amigo. Under his leadership, the family also biodynamically farms much of their agave, with 100% of the Espadín estate-grown for their mezcal production.

Fidencio Spirits
Fidencio Spirits founders Amy Hardy and Arik Torren met while bartending at one of New York City’s great restaurants. Sharing a passion for wine and food, they became fast friends. A few years later, Amy was traveling through Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, where she encountered Villas Carrizalillo, a neglected beachside hotel. Since then, Amy and her partner, Edward Mitchell, have transformed "The Villas" into one of the finest hotels on the Oaxacan coast.

In the summer of 2007, Amy and Arik traveled to Oaxaca City to explore and learn more about mezcal. During this unforgettable experience, they were bitten by the mezcal bug. Through Amy’s connections, they had the good fortune to meet Enrique, who was in the process of building his new distillery. Amy and Arik immediately knew this partnership was the perfect fit and decided to collaborate with Enrique before the first drop of Fidencio Mezcal was produced. Edward joined as the angel investor. With a leap of faith and a handshake, Fidencio Mezcal was born.

Media Links
Punch: The Best Mezcals Under $50
Serious Eats: The Serious Eats Guide to Mezcal
Liquor.com: The Best Mezcals for $40 or Less