The central valley town of San Baltazar Guelavile is home to a number of mezcal producers, including the widely popular Don Goyo featured back in September of 2019. At the age of 26, Goyo’s son, Rodrigo Martínez Méndez, is following in his footsteps and quickly growing in popularity not only as a maestro but also as co-founder of the new mezcalería, La Cueva. Rodrigo is both a second generation mezcalero and fifth generation mezcalero depending on how you look at it. The first producer in his family was his great-great-grandfather who unfortunately passed away at a young age, as did his son, leaving Rodrigo’s grandfather orphaned at only age 7 and leaving behind the tradition of making mezcal. Because of the circumstances, much of the family’s original production technique was lost as well, including distilling in clay pots and fermenting in cow hide. Despite what was lost, there is no lack of creativity, craftsmanship or work ethic demonstrated by this young mezcalero as he is one of the most entrepreneurial, philanthropic, and innovative producers we’ve worked with.
