Rufina Distillery, nestled in the heart of the Sierra Sur in the small town of San Luis Amatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico, is a renowned palenque known as Tanshil. The region is regarded as having the most diverse wild agaves and is famously known as "La Cuna del Buen Mezcal." The unique wet to dry climate, lime soil, and terroir minerals of the mid-height desert forest create an optimal ecosystem for growing magueys.
More than just a group of producers, Rufina Distillery is a thriving community dedicated to raising awareness about good practices and transparency in the agave distilling industry. The community focuses on preserving the land, conservation of sacred plants, and ensuring the sustainability of the agave distilling industry for generations to come.
Rufina Distillery takes pride in using traditional processes and ancestral techniques to produce premium distilled agave spirits, made from mature maguey plants that have reached their optimum lifespan. The distillery itself has been built with natural materials and local craftsmanship, creating a space for Maestros Mezcaleros to work in harmony.
The distillery's commitment to cultivation and preservation includes an annual program of planting around 5,000 magueys and reforesting the Maguey Silvestres to maintain balance in the ecosystem. Harvesting wild agave is a labor-intensive process, often requiring access by horse, donkey, or foot. However, the hard work and dedication pay off with a final product that embodies the heart and soul of the region's spirits.
In addition to producing high-quality spirits, Rufina Distillery has been working on creating an eco-living area, utilizing natural resources to build self-sustained habitats that coexist with the environment.
Rufina's final product is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the community, with each small batch (ranging from 120 to 250 liters) reflecting the unique qualities of the agave and season in which it was distilled. Everything is produced, bottled, and shipped directly from San Luis Amatlan, Oaxaca, ensuring the integrity and exceptional quality of each sip of Rufina's artisanal spirits.
