FAQ
What is the meaning behind the CONVITE name?
In Oaxaca, a "Convite" is an invitation to celebrate. It signifies joy, fun, and coming together in celebration. It reflects Oaxacan hospitality and friendliness, deeply rooted in local traditions.
What makes CONVITE Mezcal unique?
CONVITE is the best-selling mezcal in Oaxaca, the "Mezcal Mecca," and is recognized by top chefs across the country. Our mezcal is featured in the best bars and restaurants in Oaxaca. We offer a diverse selection of single palenque mezcals, with a specialty in producing mezcal from wild agaves and mezcal blends that showcase the rich flavors of Oaxaca’s terroir.
What is Mezcal, and how is it different from Tequila?
Mezcal is a traditional spirit made from agave, an extraordinary plant native to Mexico. While mezcal and tequila are related, as they come from the same plant family, they have distinct differences. Mezcal is mostly artisanal and handmade, whereas tequila production is usually industrialized and restricted to only one type of agave (Blue Weber). Mezcal offers a wider range of flavors due to the variety of agave species used and the traditional, artisanal production process. Additionally, mezcal must be made with 100% agave, while tequila can include up to 49% from other sources.
Where is your mezcal made?
CONVITE Mezcal is produced in a single palenque (distillery) to guarantee the quality of our mezcal by controlling every step of the process, from the field to distillation and bottling. Our palenque is located in San Baltazar Guelavila, Oaxaca, a beautiful community with deep Zapotec roots.
Does your palenque have electricity?
No it does not. Our palenque has no electricity and we make mezcal the way it has been made for hundreds of years.
How is your mezcal produced?
CONVITE Mezcal is crafted using traditional methods passed down through five generations of master distillers. We harvest agaves at full maturity, cook them in underground ovens as our ancestors did, and crush them using atahona, a large stone wheel pulled by a horse. Fermentation takes place naturally in wooden vats with wild yeasts, and the mezcal is distilled twice in a traditional copper still (alambique).
What is the roasting duration of your agaves?
We roast our agaves 4-5 days.
What is the fermentation duration of your agaves?
We ferment our agaves for 5 days in open wood tanks. Open fermentation allows for each mezcal to be affected by its surroundings, making each one unique.
What is the elevation of your agave?
Our agaves grow at 2000 meters above sea level in semi desert areas.
What are the different varieties of mezcal you offer?
We offer a wide range of mezcals made from both cultivated and wild agave species. Our selection includes up to seven different wild agaves and blends, offering a mezcal for every palate.
Is your mezcal sustainable?
We are proud leaders in sustainability in Oaxaca. We replant more agaves than we harvest and avoid the use of pesticides or fertilizers. Our agaves grow naturally in their habitat in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. Additionally, we support our local community by keeping the entire value chain within Oaxaca.
Is CONVITE Additive-Free and Kosher?
Yes our Mezcals are Additive-Free and Kosher.
How many different types of agave plants exist?
The genus AGAVE is endemic to the Americas and consists of more than 200 different species, 75% of which are found only in Mexico.
How many of them can be made into mezcal?
In Oaxaca, around 9 different species of agave are used to make mezcal. With Mezcal CONVITE, you can taste up to 6 different species.
What expressions do you carry in the U.S.?
Esencial, UNA, Pechuga, Espadin-Madrecuishe, Coyote, Tepextate, Jabali
What is the best way to enjoy mezcal?
You can enjoy mezcal in any way you like—whether in a cocktail or neat. Our Esencial and UNA varieties are excellent for cocktails, while we recommend sipping our wild agave mezcals neat to fully appreciate the unique flavors of the agaves. What matters most is sharing the experience with friends and loved ones.
Why is CONVITE UNA pink?
Una means 'woman' in Zapotec (the indigenous language of Oaxaca) and is a tribute to women everywhere. It is naturally tinted with the cochineal and 10% of every bottle imported is donated to FUCAM - a Oaxacan Breast Cancer Foundation providing early detection in underserved villages and treatment.
What is cochineal?
It is an insect that is invasive to cacti that makes a vibrant pink dye. The word cochineal comes from the Latin word coccinus which means 'scarlet-colored.' Cochineal was Oaxaca's first main export hundreds of years ago before mezcal was exported to dye robes of royalty in Europe. It was was also used in paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens.
What are all of the places mezcal be made?
Mezcal in Mexico can come from 10 different states: Oaxaca, Guerrero, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Durango, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, Puebla, and Aguascalientes.Oaxaca is the main producer of mezcal in Mexico, accounting for nearly 85% of the national production.
Can I visit CONVITE in Oaxaca?
Yes! We would love to welcome you to Casa Convite inOaxaca Centro - we have a cafe, tasting room, bottle shop and mezcaleria. You can also stay with us in our Airbnb rooms with private bathrooms.
Where can I find CONVITE?
Find a store near you with our store locator.
Can I have CONVITE shipped to my house?
Yes! You may place your order on our online store
