And it applied to a lot of us yesterday!
We took the group up into the mountains of Jalisco in behind the town of Valle de Juárez in order to visit an old working mescal distillery. For Ruth and I, this was our fourth visit to this interesting and beautiful place.
A few of the expats living in the area came and helped with transportation.
Traveling the Mexican way!
Heading up into the mountains.
Starting to get some views.
A gorgeous part of Mexico.
We turned off to a cobblestone road.
Scenery along the way.
This guy has a nice view!
Eventually, we ended up at the property of Don Jesus.
Don Jesus thinks that they have been making mescal up here for about 200 years. He's not sure, although he knows that both his father and his grandfather were also doing the same thing at this property. He is not sure how much further back it goes, but certainly into the 1800's.
Sal and Jose (one of Done Jesus's sons).
Don Jesus, explaining about the fermentation process.
He had a nice area set up for us for snacks and taste testing!
They were not shy with the samples, although we paid 80 pesos each for his hospitality.
The stills.
The cooling process.
The finished product dripping into a container.
The stills.
We went for a short walk in the area, but Don Jesus invited us to come back, stay a few nights and do some hiking in the area. Every time Ruth and I have come up here, this is what we have wanted to do. We won't have time on this particular visit, but if we do this again next year we are going to schedule in some hiking time away from the group!
Wow... we love this stuff!
Scenery along the way.
Gorgeous.
Another great visit to Don Jesus and his family.
Then, we headed for lunch!
We have several times been to a restaurant in Mazamitla called La Troje... and we knew the group would enjoy a meal there. They make the best fajitas, among other things.
Ruth and I split this plate of chicken, beef, and shrimp fajitas.
Us, with some of the mariachi players.
I took a video for you... turn up your volume...
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More fun taste testing and a great looking lunch
ReplyDeleteBoth were delicious!
DeleteAnother wonderful day teaching others about Mexico.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
There is just so much to show everyone but not enough time!
DeleteFantastic! Great music, food and booze!
ReplyDeleteCan't ask for a better day! It was the best of everything. :-)
DeleteWe call it Poitin here. Illegal here and lots of the still are destroyed by the police but it stilll can be got and lots of the older people would swear by it for Arthritis to rub on.
ReplyDeleteWe have a bottle for years but never used.
His family has been doing this for a number of generations, we aren't sure what the rules are but I can almost guarantee you that the police would never shut him down because then they would lose their mezcal source! ;-)
DeleteThanks for sharing your travels. Many years since I've been to Mexico. Would you recommend RVing from Canada thru US to Mexico to Lake Chapala?
ReplyDeleteOf course! Lots of people do it.
DeleteVery neat to make friends with those people at the distillery, a definite off the beaten path tour. Love the views from up there.
ReplyDeleteYep, we really love it up there. Can't wait to go back and stay up there a few days and just enjoy the beautiful scenery and do some awesome hiking. :-)
DeleteGood memories from a few years back! We finished the mezcal we had from there months ago. We should have filled up.
ReplyDeleteYep, we never get tired of going up there. I can't believe that your mezcal lasted that long!
DeleteLove! Looks like a gorgeous area. ❤️
ReplyDeleteIt is spectacular up there, or at least in our opinion it is. :-)
DeleteIt looks like you guys had a great time. Love the picture of you all smiling as you are serenated by Mariachis.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful vistas from Don Jesus's property.
We had an amazing day, I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
DeleteYes, the views are fantastic up at Don Jesus's place, one of the many reasons that we love going up there. :-)