SINGLE BARREL MEXICAN CORN WHISKEY
Our whiskies are made from ancestral corn, grown by traditional farmers from non-GMO heirloom maize kernels.
The Sierra Norte Mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, are a sanctuary of biodiversity, boasting over 2,500 plant species and 400 bird species among lush, mist-shrouded forests.
More than any other regional plant, corn embodies the life-giving relationship between these ancient mountains and their inhabitants. Descendants of the region’s first indigenous farmers replant the best corn kernels from each harvest, following a tradition that's sustained life here for over 7,000 years.
85% OAXACAN HERITAGE CORN • 15% MALTED BARLEY
MADE FROM ANCESTRAL NON-GMO HEIRLOOM CORN
Our whiskies are carefully crafted in Oaxaca from 85% ancestral non-GMO corn and 15% malted barley. Local traditional farmers select the best black, white, yellow, purple and red heirloom corn. The blended mash is double-distilled in copper pot stills, then aged 2 to 3 years in single barrel casks of French Oak.
45% Alc/Vol (90 PROOF)
Sierra Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskey – Black
40% ABV (750mL)
Sierra Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskey – White
45% ABV (750mL)
Sierra Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskey – Yellow
45% ABV (750mL)
Sierra Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskey – Purple
40% ABV (750mL)
Sierra Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskey – Red
45% ABV (750mL)
Sierra Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskey – Rainbow
45% ABV (750mL)
THE SIERRA NORTE DISTILLERY STORY
Master Distiller Douglas French founded Sierra Norte Distilling to fulfill his passion to explore different varieties of ancient Oaxacan corn to craft outstanding whiskies with unique flavors. Each corn varietal is distilled separately and matured in French Oak casks, showcasing nuanced individual notes and character.
DOUGLAS FRENCH, MASTER DISTILLER
With 20+ years of Mezcal distilling under his belt, Douglas French decided it was time to expand his craft and utilize his distilling equipment to its fullest capacity. Heirloom corn was a crop that could be grown annually and his love for whiskey led him to create the first Single Barrel Mexican Whiskey brand available in the US.
There are 8 regions in Oaxaca and they all join together in the capital, Oaxaca City. Doug French’s distillery is in San Agustin de las Juntas in the outskirts of the capital. This is where Sierra Norte Whiskey is distilled and matured into fine whiskey.
Doug coordinates with traditional farmers from various regions to plant and harvest the ancestral corn. Unfortunately for the traditional farmers in today’s world the dedication to sustaining the ancestral corns and farming is not competitive with GMO farming. So, the traditional heirloom corn, the people, and their culture are dying because they are not economically viable.
The ancestral corn is sold locally in the villages for making tortillas and tamales. As people leave the villages to immigrate north looking for jobs, the market for heirloom corn shrinks and the farmers also immigrate north looking for jobs.
Doug has developed a great corn whiskey recipe and production system. He buys the heirloom corn from the farmers at a fair price, so that they can earn a good wage and continue to live on their farms.
Sierra Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskey is sold in the global market, where it competes with all the other fine and outstanding whiskies of the world. Ultimately, this income comes back to Oaxaca and the life cycle of sustainability is complete.
