We’re nothing
without the earth.
—We care for her,
We care for ourselves.
We look for ways to honor Nature, build regenerative processes, and uplift people through dignified enterprise. Here are some initiatives we commit to in looking after the land and our community.
Sustainability
Initiatives
Honoring the sacred vow between humankind and the agave, The Lost Explorer is committed to the sustainable production of high-quality handcrafted agave spirits in a manner that benefits the local mezcal and tequila producing communities in Oaxaca and Jalisco while protecting its biodiversity.
At every point along the journey, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of globally recognized pillars of environmental excellence, striving to raise the bar for the industry.
Climate & Energy
- Agaves for mezcal are cooked using both earthen pit ovens and above-ground masonry brick ovens to maintain healthier working conditions for the team and reduce our environmental footprint, while still ensuring The Lost Explorer Mezcal’s signature earthy and subtly smoky flavors. This method saves 3 tons of wood per batch, compared to an operation using only earth pit ovens.
- Use of natural gas-powered fire directly underneath the stills to heat them, which further reduces wood consumption and benefits the health of our employees
- 32 solar panels on the roof of our distillery fulfill the energy needs of our production
Regenerative Agriculture
- Ambitious biodiversity practice with at least three agave plants replenished for each one used for mezcal, including seed germination of genetically diverse agave
- Agave fiber waste is processed into fertilizer for our land then upcycled into sipping copitas and adobe bricks
Supply Chain Excellence
- Agaves harvested only at peak maturity, letting them grow naturally for an average of 8-12 years, depending on agave type
- Agave cooked according to artisanal methods and with local reclaimed wood only
- All production partners selected based on environmental ethos, quality and in support of Mexican enterprise
- Bespoke bottles designed and produced locally in Mexico using over 55% recycled crystal scraps
- Bottles are sealed with fully biodegradable wax made from beeswax and vegan wax resins sourced from indigenous communities in Oaxaca and Coahuila.
- All spirits distilled, bottled, and labeled on-site, reducing mileage in production
Building Community through Impact Projects
-
Local partnerships that directly address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with impact in the Oaxaca region.
- Annual partnership with the Oaxacan organization SiKanda to provide business education and seed funding to women entrepreneurs locally
- Ongoing partnership with Isla Urbana to install multiple rainwater harvesting systems in remote Oaxacan communities annually
- Long-term local relationships at fair price with our agave growers.
- Ongoing creative partnerships with artisans located in the heart of Oaxaca.
