Rafael Jimenez 

Rafael is the producer for Sin Papeles mezcal. Native to San Vicente Coatlan Oaxaca MX, Rafael works hard to produce mezcal that his family and village can be proud of. His mezcals are in high demand at restaurants and bars across the city of Oaxaca, but you’ll need a savvy Oaxacan to find them. His unbranded bottles are usually behind the bar where they’re reserved for someone with a discerning pallet or a reason to celebrate. Sin Papeles is excited to present you with the unusual privilege of enjoying his mezcals here in the USA.

Q&A with Rafael Jimenez

  • -Where are you from?

    I was born and raised in San Vicente Coatlan. San Vicente Coatlan is a Zapotec town in valles centrales, where the indigenous language is still spoken (zapoteco).

  • -How long has your family been producing Mezcal?

    My grandparents produced mezcal making me the third generation in my family to make 100% artesanal mezcal.

  • -What motivates you to continue producing mezcal?

    What motivates me the most is when someone drinks my mezcal and says "your mezcal is so good." I also don’t want to let the my town’s traditions be lost, even though the work is very difficult and growing agave takes a lot of time.

    I also appreciate that through my mezcals I have had the opportunity to meet many people from different parts of the world and allow them to enjoy my mezcals.