Chichihualco, Guerrero, a town previously known for hand stitching soccer balls and also the birthplace of Mexico’s 11th president, is now becoming known for its mezcal production. Margarito López Flores is a fourth generation producer here, and one of three other producers who still uses a filipino still for distillation. Margarito has a bit of a boyish way about him with a playful, competitive attitude that shows in response to any question you ask him about mezcal. Simultaneously, he is a family man, bringing his wife, son, and family dog with him to the fabrica that sits 30 minutes from their house. He places importance on conserving the traditions that began with his great-grandfather and to producing a mezcal of quality over quantity.
