Pepe Simental comes from a long line of mezcal producers in Nombre de Dios region of Durango. Pepe was formerly a public school teacher but now spends most of his time running his vinata making "vino" as it is known in Durango (cooked agave is referred to as "mezcal"), and growing apples, peaches, tunas, grapes and other fruits which he makes into jams and other products. Pepe was a pioneer in the area in the respect that he was one of the first people to start producing mezcal with Lamparillo and Verde-two smaller agaves with very low sugar content. Along with Lamata, Pepe is revitalizing the popularity of the traditional higher proof mezcals-which have been disappearing in the region due to highway tourism and the tequilization of mezcal.

Lamparillo is agave asperrima which can be found all over Northern Mexico growing in very dry areas with poor soil conditions. It is medium small Agave and has a very low sugar content, making it difficult species to work with. It is one of three agave used in Ensamble in Tamaulipas and is used by one producer in Nuevo Leon who mixes it with large amounts of refined sugar. As far as we know Durango is the only area where the agave is used as a stand alone in mezcal production.

Mezcalero: Pepe Simental
Agave: Lamparillo (A.Asperrima)
Location: Nombre de Dios, Durango
Oven: Underground
Mash: Axe and desgarradora
Fermentation: oak wood lined batteries
Water Source: Spring
Distillation: Twice in copper and wood
Proof Adjustment: heads and heart

ABV: 48.4%
Lot size: 80 Liters
Lot ID: LAM-S 12/1/20