Parejo Forest Maguey De Cerro Bienvenido Fernandez Agave Spirit

Wild, earthy, and deeply expressive, Parejo Sotol Forest Maguey de Cerro Bienvenido Fernández is a traditional Chihuahuan agave spirit produced by Bienvenido Fernández, a fourth-generation maestro from Madera, Chihuahua. Made from 100% wild Maguey de Cerro and bottled at 51.35% ABV (102.7 proof), this limited expression reflects the cool, mountainous forest environment where the plants grow at nearly 6,900 feet in elevation. Its profile combines roasted agave, pine, earth, herbs, and subtle sweetness with a rich, textured character.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Agave Spirit / Sotol-Style Spirit
Plant: 100% Wild Maguey de Cerro
Maestro Vinatero: Bienvenido Fernández
Origin: Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico
Region: Forest Region
Elevation: Approximately 6,900 Feet
Alcohol Content: 51.35% ABV (102.7 Proof)
Bottle Size: 750ml
Production Style: Wild • Artisanal • Pit Roasted • Natural Fermentation • Copper Condenser
Style: Earthy • Piney • Herbal • Roasted • Complex

Process & Production

The Maguey de Cerro is harvested wild in the mountainous forest region surrounding Madera, Chihuahua, where the plants mature in a cool climate bordered by coniferous forests and arid high desert. The plants used by Bienvenido are allowed to mature for approximately 15 years before harvesting.

The piñas are roasted for approximately three days in an underground conical horno using pine wood, with volcanic stones covering the oven during the cook. After roasting, Bienvenido uses a small mechanical mill to process the cooked plants.

Fermentation is completely natural, using ambient yeast in stainless-steel tanks, tombas, and pine-lined pits for approximately seven to ten days. Distillation takes place in a stainless-steel alembic with a copper condenser, with pine wood used during the first distillation and gas during the second for greater temperature control.

Appearance

Crystal clear and luminous with a bright, polished appearance.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Roasted agave, pine, fresh herbs, earth, and subtle citrus with an aromatic forest character.

Palate: Rich and expressive with roasted plant character, pine, earthy minerality, herbal notes, and a gentle sweetness.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering pine, earth, roasted agave, and herbal notes.

What Makes It Special

This expression captures the distinctive Forest Region terroir of Chihuahua, where Maguey de Cerro grows at nearly 7,000 feet among mountainous terrain and coniferous forests. The high elevation and cool, humid growing conditions create a very different character from the hotter desert regions of northern Mexico.

Bienvenido Fernández is a fourth-generation maestro who learned to distill these native spirits through his family's tradition. His history of traveling through the mountains with his copper still and working with plants encountered along the way is an important part of the spirit's character and the Parejo philosophy.

How to Enjoy

Enjoy neat in a copita or small tasting glass to appreciate the complex forest, roasted, and herbal character.

Because of its 51.35% ABV, allowing the spirit to rest for several minutes after pouring can help the aromas open. A few drops of water can also reveal additional layers.

Pair with roasted meats, mushrooms, grilled vegetables, aged cheese, nuts, dark chocolate, or earthy Mexican dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of spirit is Parejo Forest Maguey de Cerro?
It is a traditional Chihuahuan agave spirit made from wild Maguey de Cerro.

What is the alcohol content?
51.35% ABV (102.7 Proof).

What is the bottle size?
750ml.

Who makes this expression?
It is produced by Bienvenido Fernández, a fourth-generation maestro vinatero.

Where is it produced?
The spirit is distilled in Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico, in the Forest Region at approximately 6,900 feet in elevation.

What plant is used?
100% wild Maguey de Cerro.

How is it produced?
The wild plants are pit roasted with pine wood, mechanically crushed, naturally fermented, and distilled in a stainless-steel alembic with a copper condenser.

Brand Story

Parejo Sotol was founded around the idea of preserving and celebrating the traditional spirits of Chihuahua and the individual producers who continue to make them. The project works directly with maestros and emphasizes the relationship between plant species, terroir, elevation, and production methods.

The Forest expression from Bienvenido Fernández represents one of the most distinctive regional styles in the Parejo collection. His work in Madera, surrounded by high-elevation forests and mountains, highlights the character of wild plants harvested from Chihuahua's rugged landscape while preserving generations of traditional distilling knowledge.