Maestro Mezcalero is a term of relatively recent vintage. Translated, it means “master mezcal maker.” Generally it used to describe the person who personally makes the mezcal, but maestro can also mean the head of the palenque (also called vinata, taberna and fabrica) where mezcal is made. It can also mean the person who is teaching or managing the mezcal making process and not necessarily the actual mezcal maker.
Maestro Mezcalero is used as a sign of respect for the person behind the mezcal and has been expanded to other denominations like raicilla (Maestro Raicillero or Maestro Tabernero), bacanora (Maestro Bacanorero) and sotol (Maestro Sotolero). There are relatively few women making mezcal today but the feminine form of the term is used for a woman producer. For example, Karina Abad is listed as the Maestra Mezcalera of Los Nahuales Metodo Antiguo.
Almost all bottles of mezcal in the market indicate the Maestro Mezcalero on the labels.
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