The Origins of Fuego Y Humo

"We hope Fuego Y Humo will always reflect curiosity and an exploration into what remains an often misunderstood spirit."

- Karen and Elliott Reese

Karen and Elliott Reese walk in field of cultivated espadín

As a husband-wife team from California with a passion for mezcal and Mexico, Elliott and Karen Reese founded Fuego Y Humo to share the love of all things mezcal, which is not only delicious, but deeply rooted in the physical beauty, celebratory culture and familial traditions found throughout Mexico.

Upon their meeting, Elliott was already a 10 year fan of mezcal appreciating the unique characteristics during its infancy as a spirit. Karen had never tasted mezcal, but knew the agave well. Growing up backpacking in southwest Texas with her dad, the beauty, hardiness and utility of agaves made them her favorite plant. It was time to finally try the spirit she had read about as a child. A lover of wine, she was quick to appreciate the complex aromas and dramatic differences in taste offered by the different agave species.

Fuego Y Humo Fire and Smoke Mezcal Tobalá bottle nestled in a Tobalá agave plant

Always a fan of Mexican vacations, Karen and Elliott began visiting Oaxaca in what became the beginning of an endless exploration of agave spirits. 

 "The learning curve involved with understanding the vast types of agaves, the production process and the history of the spirit was fascinating to us both. This is why we hope Fuego Y Humo will always reflect a curiosity and an exploration into what remains an often misunderstood spirit." 

The Brand is Born

Launched in early 2023, Karen and Elliott spent the previous two years visiting mezcaleros in Oaxaca and beyond. Falling more deeply in love with the spirit both in the bottle and the spirit of the communities behind the drink, their conviction that mezcal is truly special was cemented. Through Fuego Y Humo, they focus on sharing the celebration surrounding mezcal while educating the world about the special spirit in their copita.

Fuego Y Humo Fire and Smoke Mezcal bottles - 3 agave varietals

Fuego Y Humo Mezcal is an artisanal mezcal line debuting Espadín, Wild Tobalá and Wild Tepeztate. It is produced by 3rd generation Maestro Mezcalero José Manuel Mendez of Casa Arreiro in San Dionisio Ocotepec, Oaxaca.

The Story Behind the Name

The origins of "Fuego Y Humo", meaning Fire and Smoke, began with a spicy mezcal margarita personally crafted by Elliott with tasting approvals by Karen (future CTO - chief tasting officer) as the "his" cocktail at their wedding. At this time, there were no thoughts of a future brand. And in eventually building and trademarking the business, the couple was pursuing a completely different name. Alas, Fuego Y Humo proved to be their ultimate destiny!

Fire and smoke. Mezcal made in the old ways. Chopping the piñas before the roast. Traditional, artisanal production in Oaxaca Mexico.

The encompassing experience at a palenque during production always includes "fire and a ton of smoke". 

Therefore, fuego y humo represent two of the fundamental elements that transform the agave into this delicious spirit.

Hence, fire and smoke are truly el espiritu del mezcal - the soul of the mezcal.

Mezcalero - José Manuel Mendez

With the help of serendipitous timing, the Reeses found a great business partner and someone who crafts amazing mezcal in 3rd generation artisanal producer José Manuel Mendez. Always prepared, excited (in his relaxed José way) and ambitious, it brings them great joy to have found someone who is both wonderful to work with AND creates truly delicious mezcal. 

3rd generation Jose Manuel Mendez in field of cultivated espadin

Fuego Y Humo has proudly become the first brand to offer José’s mezcal in the United States! Learn more about José's story.