Like Father Like Son

Over three generations, Eléctrico’s maestros have quietly acquired parcels of land around San Baltazar Guelavila, Oaxaca. Since the revolution, land ownership has been more a case of land stewardship in those areas that respect the revolutionary principles.

San Baltazar Guelavila is just such a place. You may have stewardship over a parcel of land only if you look after it, use it, and protect it. If you don’t, the community can return it and give it to someone who needs it more.

Cirino’s father, Cipriano, taught his son the importance of this. He used to plow his land with oxen to grow fruit, vegetables, and maguey for the mezcal he sold to his neighbors. He understood the character of the soil, irrigation, drainage, and climate. He also ensured that there was never any thought of the land being returned to the community.

When Cirino decided to set up his palenque, he utilized that knowledge to ensure the sustainability of his maguey cultivation. He ensures some plants reach full maturity so he can gather a healthy crop of seeds to replant. He mulches and fertilizes the soil with waste bagasse fibres from the fermentation. He harvests carefully to avoid harming the juvenile plantlets. He plants new oak trees and cultivates special botanical plants for Eléctrico’s ‘Distilled With’ mezcal.

Today, Cipriano works for his son, Cirino, and he is proud that Cirino has improved the quality of mezcal production. He still prefers to speak Zapotec rather than Spanish and loves the simple life.