Inside Tradition: Hacienda Oponguio Small-Batch Mezcales Shine at Salud Amigos Fest

At this year’s Salud Amigos Fest, we were honored to host the Mezcal Buzz Media Corner, where we connected directly with passionate producers keeping agave traditions alive. One of those voices was Juan Manuel Mejía, maestro mezcalero of Hacienda Oponguio —a family-run, small-batch mezcal brand from Michoacán.

This interview was brought to you by Cask & Capture, our creative partner behind the Mezcal Buzz Media Corner. If you’re looking for professional video, photo, podcast, or creative services, reach out to Cask & Capture to bring your brand’s story to life.

A Legacy Distilled in Every Hacienda Oponguio Bottle

Juan Manuel had barely stepped off a delayed flight when he arrived at the festival—proof of the dedication behind every pour. As he explains, Hacienda Oponguio is a micro producer, bottling between 200 and 1,000 liters per batch, across 20–22 batches per year.

Though the official brand launched in 2018, the family’s mezcal tradition runs deep—stretching back to his great-grandfather. Mezcal is more than a business for them; it’s the family’s “house wine,” a constant presence at their table for generations.

Endemic Agaves & Creative Expression

Originally, Hacienda Oponguio focused exclusively on Agave inaequidens, a micro-endemic species native to select areas of Michoacán. But due to its high production cost, Juan Manuel has since expanded into other varietals—including tequilana, espadín, cupreata, and thoughtful blends.

Each expression is crafted with precision, reflecting both tradition and innovation—something mezcal lovers deeply value.

Why Small Producers Rely on Events Like Salud Amigos Fest

For brands like Hacienda Oponguio, festivals like Salud Amigos Fest are essential. Juan Manuel candidly shared that, like many small producers, they lack the marketing budgets for large campaigns or celebrity endorsements.

“These events are everything for us. It’s how we get our mezcal into people’s hands—and hearts.”

At Salud Amigos Fest, attendees got to taste rare batches and meet the people who make them. And in the case of Hacienda Oponguio, we heard one of the future batches will come with an unexpected twist…

Hacienda Oponguio Pechuga with a Twist: Elk Meat in the Mix

Among the expressions poured that day was a special Pechuga-style mezcal—a batch made with the traditional hen breast. But Juan Manuel gave us the news of a new idea that came from a U.S.-based client and hunter who requested a custom batch using his own stored elk meat.

The result? A 95-liter run that surprised even the maestro himself. The elk version produced stronger notes of anise and cacao, and a more layered finish than its poultry counterpart.

“We did side-by-side distillations—same everything, only the meat changed. And it was clear: elk brought something special.”

Due to the positive response, Juan Manuel confirmed they plan to release a larger batch (120–150 liters) of the elk-based Pechuga next year—exclusively for the U.S. market.

Looking Ahead: Honoring Tradition, Evolving Taste

As more drinkers seek out additive-free, heritage-rich mezcals, small brands like Hacienda Oponguio are essential to the category’s integrity. Juan Manuel is proof that you don’t need a massive marketing budget to make an impact—you just need dedication, authenticity, and the right platform to share your story.

We hope to feature Juan Manuel and Hacienda Oponguio in a full-length Mezcal Buzz podcast episode soon. The story of that elk-meat Pechuga deserves a tasting, a mic, and a deeper dive.

Brought to You By: Cask & Capture

The Mezcal Buzz Media Corner at Salud Amigos Fest was made possible by Cask & Capture—your go-to partner for storytelling through video production, podcasting, photography, and creative strategy. Want to elevate your next brand activation or event? Contact Cask & Capture and bring your vision to life.

About Hacienda Oponguio

Hacienda Oponguio is a family-run mezcal brand based in Michoacán, Mexico. Founded officially in 2018, its mezcal-making roots go back generations. Known for producing small-batch, traditional mezcals, Hacienda Oponguio works with endemic and regional agaves like inaequidens, espadín, and cupreata. Their pechuga-style mezcal using hen meat showcases the creativity and heritage behind every batch.

Follow them on Instagram: @haciendaoponguio

About Salud Amigos Fest

Salud Amigos Fest is a Southern California celebration of agave spirits, featuring 50+ brands, live music, cultural programming, tastings, and education. Hosted this year at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, the festival brings together the community for a deep dive into mezcal, tequila, raicilla, sotol, and more.

About LA Tequila Club

LA Tequila Club is a community-driven brand based in Los Angeles, founded to spotlight tequila and agave spirits through curated events, tastings, and experiences. From monthly meetups to major festivals like Salud Amigos Fest, LA Tequila Club is at the heart of the city’s agave movement.

👉 Want to feature your brand in the next Mezcal Buzz Media Corner or Podcast?

Reach out at mezcalbuzz.com or connect with us on Instagram: @mezcal.buzz