Prieto y Prieta Whisky, Oaxaca, Mexico

Prieta y Prieta Whisky brings together tradition, friendship, and innovation to showcase the remarkable diversity of Oaxaca’s terroir. Founded in 2018 by Txomin Alcorta, a Basque cooper with expertise in barrels and maturation, and Carlos Moreno, the mind behind Mezcal Koch with 15 years of distilling experience in Oaxaca, the project was born from a desire to highlight Mexico’s rich native corn outside of agave spirits. The result is a whisky that feels both deeply rooted in heritage and refreshingly new, offering a one-of-a-kind glimpse into Oaxacan craftsmanship.

Product Details:

• Style: 100% Corn Whisky
• ABV: 43%
• Grain Bill: Four endemic Oaxacan corn varietals (white, red, purple, and yellow)
• Fermentation: Natural fermentation
• Still Type: Double-distilled in copper pot stills
• Age Statement: 3 years
• Barrels: Virgin French oak, ex-bourbon, and ex-Mexican sherry barrels
• Adjustment: Non-chill filtered, no caramel coloring
• Distillers/Founders: Txomin Alcorta and Carlos Moreno (Co-Founders/Distillers)

Sensory Description:

Prieta y Prieta Whisky opens with aromas that immediately evoke Oaxaca, led by vibrant notes of fresh corn, palo santo, and earth. On the palate, rich layers of sweet corn interlace with velvety milk chocolate, vanilla, and warm canela spice. The influence of multiple barrel types adds depth and complexity, balancing sweetness and subtle tannins with a lingering, rounded finish. This whisky feels both rustic and refined, capturing a true sense of place in every sip.

Distiller's Background:

Prieta y Prieta is the result of blending two distinct worlds: Txomin Alcorta’s mastery of cooperage from the Basque Country and Carlos Moreno’s deep-rooted connection to agave distillation in Oaxaca. Together, they envisioned a whisky that would reflect the land’s biodiversity, using heirloom corn varietals and careful maturation in three distinct barrel types. From humble beginnings serving local restaurants, the brand has now grown into a flagship whisky proudly representing Oaxaca’s expanding spirits scene.

Serving Suggestions:

Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to open up its complexity, Prieta y Prieta also shines over a large ice cube to highlight its smooth, sweet corn character. Its warm spice and chocolate tones make it a natural partner for mole dishes, roasted pork, or dark chocolate desserts. Serve slightly below room temperature, around 60–65 °F, for the most expressive experience.

Prieta y Prieta Whisky is more than a spirit; it is an invitation to taste Oaxaca’s heritage through four native corn varietals and the shared vision of two friends. With each sip, it redefines what Mexican whisky can be.