55 Nov22424 Best Handcrafted Spirits Brand 2023 – Mexico The Lost Explorer Mezcal began as a curiosity of time and the earth, a curiosity which led to the creation of a small batch mezcal as a toast to empowering sustainable Mexican enterprise – whilst also protecting the ancient artisanal craft, heritage, and biodiversity of Mexico. We find out more about this traditional Mexican tipple and the innovative tale behind it. The Lost Explorer Mezcal is a handcrafted artisanal spirit made from 100% agave, cultivated in the sun-soaked Valles Centrales, Oaxaca, in Mexico. Produced in partnership with Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos, it is a toast to empowering sustainable Mexican enterprises. For the past 40 years, internationally recognised and award-winning Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos has dedicated himself to mastering the art of distilling mezcal. A love for the craft runs in the family. His daughter, Xitlali, works closely by his side in her pursuit to become the family’s second generation mezcalera. “Hidden in the sun scorched sierras of Oaxaca, ritual self-sacrifice is taking place. It involves pits of fire and men with machetes. The lopping of limbs and the cleaving of hearts; this rough business has been going on for thousands of years. And it’s something we wholeheartedly support.” Following the innovative concept that the sacred agave offers its life for the purpose of The Lost Explorer Mezcal may seem a little far-fetched at first, however the reframed notion that humans are not as such ‘taking’ from the earth as ‘receiving’ from nature, puts the relationship on somewhat of an even footing, evoking a vow from humans to protect and sustain the revered maguey and its hard-scrabble habitat. “This equal partnership between The Lost Explorer Mezcal and Nature itself is at the core of everything we do,” a spokesperson for the brand explains. “The agave has made a noble sacrifice for The Lost Explorer Mezcal and we honour that with care for the earth in every step of our process.” And it’s a beautiful story that really does resonate, especially when you realise that not only is the liquor harvested in harmony with the elements and in tune with the rhythm of nature, but that The Lost Explorer Mezcal is also deeply committed to sustainable practices. “Honoring the sacred vow between humankind and the maguey, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is committed to the sustainable production of highquality handcrafted mezcal in a manner that benefits the local mezcalproducing community in Oaxaca and protects the land’s biodiversity, with the long-term mission of becoming the most sustainable mezcal brand in the world,” the spokesperson enthuses. “In this journey, we will hold ourselves to the highest standards of globally recognized pillars of environmental excellence, while constantly striving to raise the bar for the industry.” And that is exactly what the company is doing! With initiatives focusing on climate and energy, renewable agriculture, supply chain excellence, and community building, the firm has taken steps to install solar panels in the agave fields to create renewable energy; uses only reclaimed wood in its artisanal cooking methods; and also operates an ambitious replanting programme, to name just a few. It’s no wonder that The Lost Explorer Mezcal was the most internationally awarded mezcal of 2021, with its range of three uniquely profiled expressions – Espadín, Tobalá, and Salmiana - seeking to inspire people to explore the wonder and diversity of the sacred agave plant. More recently, the brand was recognised in the Leaders in luxury Awards 2023 and was awarded with the prestigious accolade of Best Handcrafted Spirits Brand 2023 – Mexico. This latest accolade is testament to the time and energy that has been dedicated to the craft of producing the artisan mezcal that is taking the world by storm. Company: The Lost Explorer Mezcal Company Ltd Web Address: www.thelostexplorermezcal.com “While being respectful to the great depths of wisdom and tradition of the past, we are looking to the future and seeking ways to build further sustainability through constant experimentation.” The fairy-tale behind the fiery liquid’s creation which seeks to “celebrate the earth and elevate the soul” is intriguing to say the least... “To experience mezcal is a journey that begins as soon as you uncork a bottle, but whose tracks have been laid millennia prior. Celebrate, contemplate, or just watch an afternoon pass by. Sip Curiously.”
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