10 + Mariah Kunkel & Alex Jandernoa / Ejutla Style Mezcal

Hey Hey Agave

10 + Alex Jandernoa & Mariah Kunkel / Banhez Mezcal Artesanal

/ That's how I ended up with a portrait of Ejutla on my chest

In this episode we discuss the mezcal brand Banhez with Mariah and Alex.

Mariah is the Brand Development Manager for Banhez. Alex until recently was the Banhez Brand Manager (Mexico), and is now the Director of Education for Banhez and CNI Brands.

Banhez is owned by a cooperative of producers based in Ejutla, Oaxaca, Mexico. This co-op (Unión de Productores Agropecuarios del Distrito de Ejutla de Crespo) UPADEC is partnered with CNI Brands who is the exclusive importer of Banhez.

We discuss this relationship in great detail including the structure of the co-op, how the partnership works and how this model ensures financial security for its members.

Other topics we talked about included their signature blend and maintaining product consistency, the Ejutla style still, their Bat Project as well as some of the limited single expressions the brand offers.

We took a deep dive into the workings of Banhez with Alex and Mariah who were both gracious and transparent with all of their information. After we recorded this we followed up with a question about how the co-op manages the requirement of the CRM.

Check out the ¡hey hey! agave page on the website to see that tattoo and other great photos Mariah and Alex shared!

Images discussed in this episode can be found at TUYO NYC

¡Hey Hey! Agave is dedicated to all things agave. Join us for conversations with industry experts, enthusiasts, producers and educators as we discuss the fascinating world of agave spirits.

¡Hey Hey! Agave is a podcast from TUYO NYC

Music: Milagro Verde

Production: Sabrina Lessard and Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

Editor: Brittany Prater