Epoca Mezcal
Bristol-based social enterprise Época Mezcal is on a mission to tackle inequality with artisanal mezcal.
From the West Country of England to South America – this award-winning mezcal comes by way of a partnership with a group of female-founded small-batch distilleries, Mujeres Del Mezcal y Maguey (Women of Mezcal and Agave). By working with these small, independent producers the Época team are able to spotlight lesser known drinks in the UK drinks market, while making a bigger impact in Mexico. They pay a fair price to makers, keeping more wealth in the country of origin, and reinvest 51% of profits into their mission to make a difference for people on both sides of the North Atlantic.
How so? Firstly, they are working towards a future project to open a cantina-style space in Bristol in a bid to address social inequality. This venue, once open, will provide meaningful employment to people who often have to overcome barriers to work like their ethnicity, economic background, a disability or a criminal record.
Secondly, with a real passion for the culture, history and authenticity of this popular South American drink, Época Mezcal also partners with their mezcal makers to improve the sustainability of production, while letting the product shine.
Shine it does. Two of its brands have won the Grand Gold medal from the 2023 Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and another has been voted as one of the top 99 mezcals in the whole of Mexico by Revista CAVA.
After researcher and social justice advocate Fred Dunwoodie Stirton moved to Mexico in 2020, he fell in love with the country and the smokey full-bodied taste of its mezcal. Realising that it could be a real hit in the UK, he shared it with his friends, Chris Slater and Simon Bowen.
They hatched a plan to distribute mezcal in the UK, with some non-negotiables: partnering with people in Mexico who positively contributed to the local community, as well as putting sustainability at the core of their businesses. After a three-year proverbial bar crawl, they discovered Mujeres Del Mezcal y Maguey and Época Mezcal was born.
Founded By
Chris, Fred and Simon