Our Story
Established in 1962 by our grandfather, Don Lauro, Chicotona was originally a local mezcal sold in Guerrero and Mexico City. Though the brand fell out of operation after his passing in 2009, his legacy would live on.
In 2023, his grandson Daniel revived Chicotona to share our mezcal with a new generation.
Tradition distilled.
Legacy Reborn.
This isn't just mezcal.
It's where we come from.
Crafted with purpose.
Poured with pride.
At the heart of our brand is a deep respect for the land and its history. Chicotona takes its name from a local term for the snake that roamed the agave fields—a tribute to our origins and the land that shapes our mezcal. Mezcal is inseparable from the regions that produce it, and each area imparts its own character to the final product.
While tequila has gained global recognition, mezcal remains a hidden gem, deeply tied to the land, the people, and the hands that create it. Each region brings its own touch to the process, and that’s where Chicotona stands apart.
Chicotona is deeply inspired by Guerrero, a region with a rich yet often overlooked history of mezcal production. Our founder’s grandfather, Don Lauro, was a pioneer in Guerrero’s mezcal industry, helping establish its reputation as an emerging mezcal-producing state. Guerrero’s mezcals are known for their smooth, fruit-forward, and floral flavors, distinct from Oaxaca’s smoky, earthy profiles.
Yet, Guerrero is not the only underrepresented mezcal region. When we first explored Puebla, we were struck by the parallels, both regions produce mezcals with a balance of rich, expressive flavors and refined smoothness. While Puebla’s mezcal is often vibrant, aromatic, and subtly spiced, it carries a complexity that reminded us of Guerrero’s elegance. These similarities, along with Puebla’s growing reputation for high-quality, innovative production, made it a natural place to begin our journey.
Despite producing only about 3% of Mexico’s mezcal compared to Oaxaca’s 85-90%, Puebla is gaining recognition for its craftsmanship. At Chicotona, we are committed to working exclusively with these lesser-known mezcal regions, highlighting their distinct flavors and production methods while bringing their artistry to a broader audience.
Our Values
Calidad | Quality
We prioritize taste, tradition, and thoughtful design in every bottle, ensuring a premium experience for mezcal enthusiasts.
Familia | Family
Chicotona keeps family history at the heart of everything we do, from how we craft our mezcal to how we share it with the world.
Comunidad | Community
Chicotona is about bringing people together. We are dedicated to supporting Mexican-origin communities in the U.S., offering a taste of home and a connection to our shared heritage.
Our Partner
At Chicotona, we believe in working with like-minded producers who share our passion for quality and sustainability. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Aguilar family, a family-run operation crafting mezcal in Puebla since 2005. Founded by Luis Aguilar, their family-run operation was built to conserve local flora and fauna while ensuring sustainable mezcal production. Their dedication has helped protect the region’s wild agave, preserving this vital resource for future generations.
Like many traditional industries, mezcal production has historically been male-dominated, with the term “maestros mezcaleros” referring to male master producers. However, today, the Aguilar family’s mezcal production is now led by Luis Aguilar’s three daughters, who continue the legacy and push the industry forward.
Through this collaboration, Chicotona and the Aguilar family honor tradition while embracing innovation. Our shared values of sustainability, authenticity, and craftsmanship ensure that every bottle of Chicotona carries a story.
