Mezcal Por Siempre: Preserving Tradition in the World of Mezcal with Rocio Flores

The Mezcal Buzz Experience sat down with Rocio Flores, a passionate advocate for mezcales tradicionales campesinos. Rocio is well-known in the industry for her mission to protect, promote, and educate about mezcal tradicional and its cultural heritage. From opening a mezcalería in Southern Jalisco to co-founding Mezcal Por Siempre, one of LA’s most exciting mezcal festivals, her story is as inspiring as the spirits she shares.

From Family Roots to First Sip

Rocio’s love for mezcal began nearly 20 years ago, during an afternoon with her grandfather in Southern Jalisco. As they shared ponche de granada made with a base of mezcal, Rocio was drawn in by the aroma and complexity of the spirit. That day sparked a journey that would eventually lead her to become a respected voice in mezcal advocacy.

Opening a Mezcalería in Southern Jalisco

In her hometown of Zapotlán Grande (now Ciudad Guzmán), Rocio noticed a cultural shift: young people favored whiskey and low-quality tequila, overlooking mezcal’s heritage. Determined to change that, she opened Matame Poco a Poquito, a mezcalería that became a cultural hub featuring traditional mezcales, local coffee, art, and music.

Her goal? To educate people on the diversity and beauty of mezcal while celebrating regional traditions. Guests learned to sip mezcal slowly—“despacito”—and appreciate its flavors instead of shooting it back.

Moving to Los Angeles & Founding Mezcalting

After relocating to LA, Rocio began hosting private tastings for friends. Word spread quickly, and what started as small gatherings evolved into Mezcalting, her educational platform dedicated to mezcales tradicionales campesinos. Through curated tastings and events, Rocio helps people understand mezcal beyond the stereotypes—teaching them that mezcal isn’t just “smoky” and that every bottle tells a story.

Advocating for Sustainability & Tradition

Rocio works with brands that prioritize sustainability, cultural preservation, and transparency. She partners only with producers who honor traditional methods, and who protect native agaves. Some of her featured projects include:

• Lamata (Sonora) – Known for traditional bacanoras and other Northern Mexican agave spirits.
• Zinacantan (Puebla) – Led by women regenerating land and championing sustainability.
• Cuish (Oaxaca) – A pioneering brand highlighting the artistry behind every bottle.

Mezcal as a Ceremony of Appreciation

For Rocio, drinking mezcal isn’t about getting drunk—it’s a ceremony of appreciation. She emphasizes the connection between mezcal and the land, the artisans, and the culture behind it. “Every sip represents generations of tradition,” she says, encouraging people to slow down, taste thoughtfully, and learn the stories behind the spirit.

Mezcal Por Siempre: A Festival Rooted in Heritage

Rocio is also the co-founder of Mezcal Por Siempre, an annual festival in Los Angeles dedicated to traditional mezcal and agave spirits. The event brings together mezcaleros, chefs, and cultural ambassadors from Mexico and the U.S. for a celebration of heritage, sustainability, and community. Expect tastings, cultural programming, and some of LA’s top culinary talent.

Follow Mezcal Por Siempre for updates on this year’s event.

Where to Learn More

Follow Rocio’s journey and discover the world of mezcal through her Instagram: @mezcalting. Support the brands and maestros she champions, and remember—drink consciously, sip slowly, and honor tradition.