One hour beyond the village of Chichicapa and through a mountain pass, you arrive at Santa Catarina Minas. This pueblo has an arid semi-tropical microclimate and great water. Palenqueros, Florencio Carlos Sarmiento and his sons Florencio Carlos Vasquez and Luis Carlos Vasquez, are true craftsmen. Their “palenque” includes a cistern to cool and recycle the water used in the condensation process. The still is made of clay with bamboo tubing, giving Minero its unique fruity character. A nose full of flower essence, vanilla and figs with a burnt honey flavor and a bit of lemon. Minero is deep, warm and sweet all the way to the finish.