What makes a “single batch”? Why buy “single batch” agave spirits?

When talking about "single batches" we are referring to small lots produced from a single oven or harvest of agave. The process of crafting these batches begins with the harvest of mature en guía or capón plants, often of various species or types of agave around the time of the full moon, that are then cooked together in a conical earthen pit. The roasted agave hearts or piñas are then either separated and designated for multiple smaller batches, or macerated and fermented together in their entirety to make a single batch. In accordance with traditional practices, the spirits produced from different ovens are not blended, homogenized, or standardized to a particular ABV. Each production is unique and bottled at still strength and the quantity produced is relative to the number of agave cooked in an oven and their respective yield. Agave spirits are agricultural products, and the quantities of production should reasonably reflect the availability of local resources.

We have sought out partnerships in the market that respond to and respect the practices of the farmers we work with. As a result, we believe consumers get to enjoy the highest quality spirits while also having the opportunity to connect to the lands, cultures, and people behind each batch. For the producers, commercializing single batches makes working according to their local traditions more viable. Not having to produce to meet current market trends (primarily low-cost and low-ABV espadín often used for cocktails), also lends itself to more responsible land tenureship and healthier ecosystems.

The majority of agave spirits that are commercially available are rarely produced and almost never bottled and sold in this fashion. In instances where the production remains somewhat artisanal, agaves and distilled liquid are often acquired from a multitude of purveyors, to be combined and mixed together to create a homogenized and high-volume product. These batch sizes can vary from 2,000L to well over 10,000L and are not reflective of traditional harvesting and production techniques, nor of the quality of the spirits that are consumed in the mezcal-producing villages and towns of Mexico that have seen their struggles, images, and work co-opted for the marketing of many commercial projects. The competition over shelf space for cheap mixing spirits does nothing to uplift the communities and traditions that us mezcal fans so highly esteem, and has real tangible and detrimental effects on the ground.

If you are interested in selecting a NETA single batch, please feel free to contact us for batch availability. Single batches generally range between 8 cases - 40 cases (6-packs).

Clients who have participated in our Single-batch program