In the verdant hills of Oaxaca, where the agave plant thrives under the sun, Isabel Santiago’s story begins. Nestled within the Zapotec region, the village of Santiago Matatlán is known as the heart of mezcal production in Mexico. Isabel’s lineage is steeped in this rich tradition; her great grandfather, Valente Santiago, laid the foundational knowledge of mezcal distillation that has been meticulously passed down through generations. Today, Isabel stands as a groundbreaking figure in her family, proudly becoming the first woman to take up the mantle of maestra mezcalera. Embracing her heritage was no small feat in a field traditionally dominated by men, but with the unwavering support of her father, Isabel learned to view her identity as not just a backdrop, but as an integral part of her journey in mezcal production.
“I’ve faced numerous obstacles, but it was my father’s belief in me that offered the strength to continue,” Isabella reflects. This narrative of resilience and reclaiming identity resonates deeply in the mezcal industry, reflecting the larger societal struggles faced by women across communities.
The story of ZOMOZ Mezcal is a testament to the cultural connections formed within the immigrant experience in the United States. Diego de la Vega, an entrepreneurial spirit with roots in Mexico, found himself longing for the authentic flavor of mezcal while studying in Los Angeles. Frustrated by the lack of quality spirits available, de la Vega sought to recreate this element of his Mexican heritage. His search brought him to Isabel. Together, they forged a partnership that would elevate both artisanal craftsmanship and cultural significance through mezcal.
The name ZOMOZ stems from the Spanish word “somos,” meaning “we are,” symbolizing unity and cultural identity. De la Vega emphasizes that this brand is not another mass-produced liquor; it stands as a proud representation of Mexican heritage. With a commitment to authenticity, ZOMOZ is crafted on the very plantation that has fueled their family’s legacy—using agave espadín that grows naturally in the rich Oaxacan soil and matures for at least seven years before harvest.
The production of ZOMOZ is steeped in traditional practices that reflect a deep respect for the environment and the people involved in the process. The agave is roasted for five to six days in traditional earthen pits, where it captures the essence of the land. This careful selection of methods and materials demonstrates a dedication to quality that many mass-produced brands overlook. A beloved family horse is used to pull a tahona—a large stone wheel traditionally used to crush the roasted agave, ensuring that the authentic flavors are preserved.
Through each meticulous step—from roasting to fermentation in pine wood tanks—ZOMOZ embodies the complexity of mezcal production. Isabel’s innovative distillation process yields a smooth spirit that remains true to its roots. The fact that ZOMOZ has already won prestigious awards such as Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition illustrates the potential for artisanal brands to flourish in a crowded marketplace dominated by large corporations.
In the world of spirits, brand identities often rely on flashy celebrity endorsements. ZOMOZ, however, chooses to let its cultural story take center stage. De la Vega asserts, “Our culture is our celebrity.” This departure from the norm signifies an earnest desire to craft a narrative that is authentically Mexican, extending beyond consumerism to embrace shared experiences around family, community, and tradition.
The brand stands against the tide of mass-market products, instead placing importance on quality and heritage. De la Vega and Santiago believe that the current interest in Mexican culture represents a notable renaissance, where art, music, food, and, now, drinks are celebrated worldwide. “While everything Mexican is now fashionable,” claims de la Vega, “we are legitimately and deeply Mexican.”
The aim of ZOMOZ is not just to produce mezcal, but to offer consumers a taste of home interwoven with cherished memories and cultural significance. As they work to dismantle misconceptions surrounding mezcal, their approach sets a standard for authenticity that invites both seasoned aficionados and newcomers to the world of mezcal.
As consumers become increasingly discerning, ZOMOZ’s commitment to artisanal quality and cultural resonance serves as a model for future endeavors. It exemplifies that the path to creating a successful brand lies not in flashy marketing but in the soul of a product, made by hands that respect and celebrate their heritage. Through ZOMOZ, Isabel Santiago and Diego de la Vega not only distill mezcal; they distill history, community, and identity—all in a bottle.
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