From Architect to Artisan: Mauricio Beltran’s Journey into Mezcal and Coffee in Querétaro, Mexico

In the heart of Querétaro, Mexico, lies a small artisan shop run by Mauricio Beltran, a craftsman whose journey is as rich and complex as the products he creates. From a career in architecture to a passion for producing exceptional Mezcal and coffee, Mauricio’s story is a testament to the beauty of reinvention, the value of tradition, and the potential of artisanal craftsmanship to preserve cultural heritage.

A Life Redefined: Mauricio’s Background

Mauricio next to shelf of his products.

Mauricio’s path to becoming an artisan producer wasn’t linear. Trained as an architect, he spent years running a successful construction company in Chicago after obtaining a green card during his exchange student days. However, the financial crises of 2008 forced him to reconsider his direction. While traveling to Germany for Oktoberfest and other beer festivals, Mauricio developed a deep appreciation for brewing traditions and the artistry behind them.

After several years in Germany, Mauricio returned to Mexico in 2017, eager to reconnect with his roots and embrace a slower, more purposeful lifestyle. The warm climate of Querétaro provided the perfect backdrop for him to explore his passion for traditional Mexican beverages.

The Art of Mezcal: Tradition Meets Innovation

Mezcal, often referred to as the "soul of Mexico" is more than just a drink—it's a cultural legacy. Mauricio approached its production with reverence, partnering with master Mezcaleros to craft a product that honors tradition while pushing boundaries.

Unlike tequila, which is made exclusively from Blue Agave, Mezcal can be made from a variety of agave plants, each contributing unique flavors and aromas. Mauricio works with Mezcal Masters to produce small batches that emphasize quality and innovation. For example, he opts for exotic woods like walnut during the cooking process, creating subtler smoky notes that appeal to both traditionalists and modern palates.

Mauricio takes pride in steering clear of "tourist traps" like worms or scorpions in the bottle, emphasizing that a high-quality Mezcal should speak for itself. His Mezcal undergoes double distillation for purity, and one of his signature products, “Espadin Anejo”, is aged in bourbon oak barrels which impart caramel and bourbon notes to complement the natural smokiness.

Beyond its production, Mauricio is keenly aware of the challenges small Mezcal producers face. The certification process is expensive, and navigating government regulations can be daunting. Despite these hurdles, Mauricio continues to build alliances with producers in Guerrero and other regions, ensuring that his Mezcal remains an authentic and artisanal product.

From Sweet Café de Olla to Specialty Coffee

Mauricio’s coffee journey began with a desire to refine a traditional favorite, Café de Olla. Unsatisfied with the overly sweet version often served in Mexico, he began experimenting with his own recipes, eventually crafting a balanced blend that retained the essence of tradition while appealing to modern tastes.

His search for quality led him to coffee growers across Mexico, from Veracruz and Oaxaca to Puebla. Mauricio carefully selects beans from each region, ensuring that every cup reflects the unique characteristics of its origin.

He even offers decaf options using a chemical-free water extraction process, catering to health-conscious consumers without sacrificing flavor.

Mauricio's ingenuity doesn't stop at traditional coffee. He has created coffee-infused products, like porter beers and coffee liqueurs, seamlessly blending his love for brewing with his passion for coffee. These products showcase the versatility of coffee as an ingredient, and highlight Mauricio's ability to innovate while staying true to his artisanal roots.

The Challenges of Artisanal Production

Running an artisanal business is no small feat. For Mauricio, sourcing the best ingredients, maintaining quality, and navigating regulatory hurdles are constant challenges. Mezcal certification, for example, is not only costly but also heavily regulated, with strict requirements for production and export.

Mauricio acknowledges that scaling his business will require significant investment, particularly in obtaining permits to sell his liqueurs in larger retail chains. Yet, he remains committed to preserving the artisanal nature of his products, even as he explores opportunities for growth.

One of his most significant challenges is competing in a market dominated by mass-produced brands. However, Mauricio sees this as an opportunity to educate consumers about the value of handcrafted products. His commitment to sustainability—whether through sourcing organic coffee beans or avoiding waste in Mezcal production—adds another layer of appeal for conscious consumers.

A Growing Global Trend: Artisanal Beverages

Mauricio’s work aligns with a broader global movement toward artisanal and sustainably produced beverages. Consumers around the world are increasingly seeking out products with a story, a sense of place, and a commitment to quality. This trend is particularly strong among younger demographics, who value transparency and are willing to pay a premium for authenticity.

Mauricio’s Mezcal and coffee fit seamlessly into this narrative. By combining traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, he offers products that are both rooted in heritage and relevant to contemporary tastes. His journey serves as a powerful example of how artisans can preserve cultural traditions while meeting the demands of a changing market.

The Future of Mauricio’s Craft

As Mauricio reflects on the past seven years, he takes pride in how far his business has come. His line of products—ranging from coffee liqueurs to small-batch Mezcal—has established him as a respected artisan in Querétaro. Looking ahead, his goal is to expand his reach while maintaining the integrity of his craft.

For Mauricio, the next step involves scaling his production without compromising quality. He is actively exploring new markets, both domestically and internationally, and working to educate consumers about the unique value of his products. Whether through partnerships with local producers or direct sales via platforms like Mercado Libre, Mauricio is determined to share the richness of Mexican traditions with the world.

Conclusion:

Mauricio Beltran’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From his roots in architecture to his reinvention as a master of Mezcal and coffee, he embodies the spirit of an artisan who values quality over quantity. His products are more than just beverages—they are a celebration of Mexican culture, a commitment to sustainability, and a testament to the power of following one’s passion.

For those lucky enough to sip his Mezcal or enjoy a cup of his expertly sourced coffee, Mauricio offers a window into the heart of Querétaro and the rich traditions of Mexico. As he continues to grow his business, Mauricio’s vision serves as a reminder that true craftsmanship is about more than profit—it’s about preserving the soul of a culture, one bottle and one cup at a time.

Staff Writer’s Note: This post was based upon a personal and recorded Interview with Mauricio Beltran, sitting outside of his shop in Querétaro, Mexico on November 24, 2024 and published with permission.