Gran Maizal, Unique Mexican Corn Whisky, Launches Across the USA

Posted on by Scott Dilley
A bottle of Gran Maizal Whisky with a glass being held by female outdoors.

Heather Greene, well-known in the American Whiskey world, served as an Advisor on the project.

Fast Facts on GRAN MAIZAL Whisky:

  • Style: Mexican Corn Whisky
  • Proof: 86 (43% ABV)
  • Mashbill: 100% Corn (toasted)
    • ancient varieties from the Yucatan Peninsula, including the oldest recognized lineage in the scientific community: Nal T’eel.
  • Finish: in terracotta vessels with cured vanilla pods from Papantla and cacao nibs of the Almendra Blanca variety.
  • Distilled at: Destileria La Vibora in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Copper Pot Still.
  • Price: $56.99; available online here.
  • Other Details:
    • Our fermentation is activated with a natural proprietary yeast developed by our master distiller.
    • Our porous terracotta vessels are designed for GRAN MAIZAL to preserve the character of nixtamalized maize while balancing with toasted wood and enhancing aromatics.

GRAN MAIZAL Whisky Press Release:

Whisky explorers and epicurean enthusiasts can now enjoy GRAN MAIZAL whisky – made entirely at DesIleria La Vibora in the Yucatan, Mexico.

GRAN MAIZAL whisky is a sensorial journey with delicate notes of toasted corn, cured vanilla bean and pure cacao. Using porous terracotta vessels for finishing allows GRAN MAIZAL to preserve the character of nixtamalized maize while balancing with toasted wood and enhancing aromatics.

Founded by Cesar Ayala and Gonzalo de la Pezuela, GRAN MAIZAL’s purpose is two-fold: To create and share delicious whiskies which embody the most cherished ingredients from ancient Mexico and to promote maize biodiversity while supporting small scale farmers.

By exploring the treasured provenance of the Yucatan, we can now offer an expanded experience for a sipping whisky. The character emanates from thousands of years of Mesoamerican culture proudly passed on from one generation to the next.

Gonzalo de la Pezuela, Co-Founder

GRAN MAIZAL is the result of years of shared efforts from farmers, distillers, scientists, and whisky experts. The community appreciates the ideation and feedback provided by Heather Greene and Francisco Ruiz Ph.D. as the whisky profile was defined.

About the Founders – Cesar Ayala and Gonzalo de la Pezuela

Cesar is an innovation and operations expert. He was the CEO for Management Forum in Mexico where he provided strategic business consulting to scores of enterprises and built a team of 35. He designs and implements effective operating models using a Total Quality approach.

Gonzalo is an international drinks expert and lover of all things Mexican. He was the Managing Director for Distill Ventures North America and VP, Brand Managing Director for the whisky and Tequila categories at Bacardi USA. He is also an entrepreneur with successful outcomes in new-to-world brands.

About Heather Greene, Advisor

Heather is a world-renowned whiskey expert, author, and master blender. She is CEO of Provision Spirits in Blanco, Texas and has direct oversight of product development, including blending her namesake and award-winning whiskey, Milam & Greene.

About Francisco Ruiz, Ph.D., Advisor

Francisco has extensive academic, in-field, and production experience related to Mexican beverage alcohol. He is an expert with over 20 years of practice in the fermentation of native corn and agave.

To learn more about GRAN MAIZAL, check out their website: granmaizal.com

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