PRESS
Food & Wine
“Block agrees. ‘Mezcal is a truly artisanal process. That word is overused but that's what it is — it's all made by hand, no machinery is ever allowed to be used in the process. They cook it with fire and wood, press it, and naturally ferment it. Mezcal is really an artwork.’”
7x7
“After living in Oaxaca for many years, San Francisco father/daughter duo Jeff Block and Sydney Block have set out to showcase some of the mezcaleros whose families have been distilling mezcals for generations; their personal stories are integral to the Blocks' new mezcal label, Catedral de Mi Padre.”
Women In Distilling
“After digging into mezcal as a beverage, Sydney became aware that she’d developed more than just a casual interest in the spirit. ‘I realized why I was so passionate about mezcal all along: it was authentic, sustainable, cultural,’ She admits. ‘It’s a community and I think that that's what I was looking for all along.’”
Distiller™
“With San Francisco connections, Catedral de mi Padre Mezcal was founded by 20-something SF native Sydney Block with her father Jeff, working with mezcaleros around Oaxaca to create mezcals sourcing only sustainably grown wild agaves.”
Bevnet®
“Catedral De Mi Padre Mezcal is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand and its first collection of 6 different mezcals, made by 6 Master Mezcaleros.”
Stoelzle Glass Prestige Spirits
“Catedral Mezcal is bringing farm to bottle in a revolutionary way by offering six varieties of mezcal made by six different Master Mezcaleros, which has never been done before.”
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“We visited upwards of 50, even 100 palenques over the last several years,” Block says, explaining that these small distilleries are often on family farms, and each family makes the alcohol in a slightly different way. “It’s the most amazing experience to see families come together to do this — it’s part of everyday life for many people in Oaxaca.”
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Tequilas, Mezcals And Other Mexican Spirits
“This new line of mezcals is created with care. “There’s nothing more romantic than sipping a spirit that is made by hand with love,” says Sydney Block, founder. “It’s a great gift for people who care about artisanal creations and small batch drinks. Each sip is like kissing Mother Earth.”
San Diego Moms: Mother’s Day Gift Guide for California Moms
“For the Drink Lover: If mom loves unwinding at the end of the day with a great drink, we’ve got some picks for you. Try Catedral Mezcal for pure, natural and quality artisanal mezcal. For every bottle purchased from now through May 14, the brand will offer a free (and fun!) “Mezcal Mama” hat.
The Best Father’s Day Gifts For Dad That Are As Thoughtful As He Is
“What better way to celebrate your dad than to give him a bottle of authentic mezcal from Catedral—a spirit company owned by a father-daughter team? Each bottle is handmade in Oaxaca, Mexico with 100% natural agave plants by master mezcaleros. And it’s 100% delicious.”
Catedral de Mi Padre Espadin + Cuishe
“Catedral de Mi Padre was launched in 2022 by father-daughter duo Jeff and Sydney Block. This bottling, crafted by Master Mezcalero Joel Santiago Hernandez in the mountains near Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca, blends tried-and-true Agave espadin with herbaceous, typically terroir-forward Agave cuishe. Let's dive in.”
The 2023 L.A. Spirits Awards: A Competition for a Modern Industry
Best Mezcal - Catedral de mi Padre Madre Cuishe Mezcal. Oaxaca, Mexico
RETAIL PRICE: $90.”
SPIRIT OF THE WEEK: CATEDRAL DE MI PADRE MEZCAL
“Only launched in summer of last year by father and daughter duo Jeff and Sydney Block, Catedral de Mi Padre quickly amassed a pile of awards thanks to its dedication for artisanal production, use of both traditional and a bit more rare agave stocks, and, quite frankly, superb packaging.
In just over a year Catedral stacked some 20 prestigious awards like a Double Gold (Tobalà) and twin Gold medals (Mexicano and Madre Cuishe) at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Silver for their Ensamble (Espadin + Cuishe ) at the 2022 New York International Spirits Competition, and Gold (Espadin) at the 2022 California Craft Spirits Competition.
They’ve even scored recognition for their unique “Cowboy Boot” packaging, which includes sustainably sourced leather bounding the bottom of their Catedral bottles—one unique handmade leather for each expression.”
The 2023 Esquire Spirit Awards
“This new brand was founded by a father-daughter team, and has released a variety of expressions made from different types of agave including espadin, tobala, and a couple of ensambles (combinations of two different types of agave). Check out the website to find more information about each expression, including where it was made, the production process, and the men and women responsible for them.”
A father and daughter from San Francisco teamed up to create a mezcal brand. Two years in, they’re racking up awards.
“In just under two years, a mezcal brand run by a San Francisco father and daughter has already made a big splash on the spirits scene. Partnering with mezcal makers in Mexico to bring their spirits here, Jeff and Sydney Block’s Catedral de mi Padre brand has won more than 25 awards since it debuted, including best-in-show mezcal at the 2023 L.A. Spirits Awards and a double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023.
They offer six mezcals made from different varieties of agave: Espadín, Tobalá, Madre Cuishe, Mexicano and two blends. Now they’re telling their story.”
Wine-Searcher
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Drinkhacker
“{Catedral} is gentle and quite nice with herbaceous agave notes of lightly sweet green pepper and a touch of smoke...Catedral is certainly good enough to sip neat, but the peppery character convinces me it would be fantastic in a Bloody Maria”.
GIVE A TOAST AS A HOLIDAY GIFT THIS YEAR WITH THESE TOP-SHELF CHOICES
“It’s officially the holiday season and with that comes the search for what gift to get loved ones and what food or drink to bring to festive parties. This year, keep it simple and grab a bottle…Catedral Mezcal Tobala - crafted by hand and derived from wild agave plants, this smooth sip will hit the spot this holiday season.”
We're Drinking with Dan Dunn - Catedral de mi Padre review
“Check out the glowing review of Catedral Mezcal on the Drinks of the Week segment of the podcast What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn. Dan gave Catedral Mezcal the thumbs up and said when sipping Catedral Mezcal, "you can feel the amount of love and care that went into making it"
The 12 Best Mezcal Brands to Drink Right Now, From Ilegal to Lobos 1707
“This relatively new yet already much-awarded brand was created by San Franciscans Jeff Block and his daughter Sydney, who, having lived for eight years in Oaxaca, Mexico, came to realize that mezcal was very often a family endeavor in its production. As a result, they created Catedral de mi Padre (“my father’s house”) to spotlight not just one, but six different mezcaleros…”
6 Best Mezcals for a Smoky Margarita (Or Other Equally Delicious Cocktail)
“Last but not least comes Catedral de Mi Padre, a father-daughter-owned mezcal brand launched in 2022. The Espadin, distinguished by its light-brown leathery bottom, is distilled by Jorge Octavio Cardaz Cualtamirano in the mountains outside Oaxaca City. Catedral Espadin starts off with a strong wallop of black pepper followed by subdued hints of smoke, green vegetality and a dash of earthy terroir. At $59, this one sits a notch more expensive than other picks on the list but is well worth its price.”
Peachy Canyon Winery named Winery Of The Year at Central Coast competition
“Best of Label — Single Bottle: Gold: Catedral de mi Padre Mezcal Agave Spirit”
Mezcal Market Poised For Growth Expected To Reach US $1.45 Billion By 2033
“In July 2022, Sydney launched Catedral Mezcal Artesanal with her father, Jeff. With a major in environmental economics, Sydney prepares mezcal products with sustainable practices by hand instead of machines.”
A record number of Mezcals were submitted to the 2023 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards (LVGSA). Two Mezcals took Platinum medals, and four Mezcals took Gold medals.
Catedral De Mi Padre, Ensamble (Espadin and Cuishe), 47.7% ABV, 750 ml, 96/100 points, won Platinum medals. Catedral De Mi Padre, Ensamble is an ensamble Mezcal produced from a mix of Espadin and Cuishe. An ensamble Mezcal is a mix of agave species picked according to their ripeness. The proportion of each species varies with each picking/distillation based on which agaves are ripe. That means each ensambleis a unique blend. Earthy with a pronounced minerality and slightly fruity on the nose. It’s smooth and oily on the palate with notable minerality and fruity and spice notes. The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering fruit, spice notes, and a pronounced pepperiness.
The best gifts for tequila and mezcal enthusiasts
“This brand utilizes some of the most talented mezcaleros around and it shows. The releases are always stunning, rustic yet balanced. It’s classically made mezcal, with savory and spice notes but the length that comes from a lot of tender loving care en route.”
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“Sourced from different maestro mezcaleros dotted throughout Oaxaca, the brand’s varied collection highlights tried-and-true varietals like Espadin and Mexicano with a flair for high-proof finishes. Catedral’s Espadin + Cuishe Ensamble, available for $80, embodies many of its strongest qualities.
The expression is distilled using artesanal methods before being bottled at a pleasantly high ABV of 47.8%. On the nose, expect aromas of green bell pepper, crushed stone and confectioner’s sugar followed by a palate chock full of citrus and salinity. The blend hits a nice balance between smoke, minerality and fruit that works equally well for mezcal skeptics and die-hards alike. If you have a few extra bucks lying around, we’d also recommend the brand’s Tobala, brimming with funky flavors of grapefruit and toffee.”
To Taste by Nicole
“Catedral is an artesenal mezcal made in Oaxaca and founded by a father-daughter duo. Each of their six mezcals are made by six different mezcaleros, which points to the spirit’s wild variety based on terroir. Get yours asap.”
The Manual
“We selected Catedral for a host of reasons. One, it's made by six master mezcaleros, so there's experience in every offering. Second, the mezcals are balanced with big flavors that still glide in as very approachable. Third, there's a real focus on sustainable farming and distillation. Cheers.”
2022 Craft distillers spirit competition winners announced
“Best Mezcal - Catedral De Mi Padre Mezcal Ensamble (Espadin + Mexicano) (BOC, G, 93). Gold Medal - Sweet, Smoky. Great nose. Well rounded.”
65 Best Father’s Day Gift Ideas Of 2023 That Are Meaningful, Simple, And Unique
“For the mezcal loving dad. If Dad is into mezcal, he'll love trying this smoky sip from the father-daughter-owned brand Catedral. It offers a rich, spiced flavor on its own and tastes great in a spicy marg.”
Meet the Mother-Daughter Duos Shaking Up the Spirits Industry
“Launching and running mezcal brand Catedral De Mi Padre has been both humbling and uplifting for husband-and-wife-duo Karen and Jeff Block and their daughter Sydney Block. In 2022, the family launched the brand as a culmination of their personal skills and passions. It’s already earned impressive industry kudos, including two gold medals and one double gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition."
Father’s Day Gift Guide for California Dads
For the Drink-Loving Dad: If dad loves unwinding at the end of the day with a great drink, we’ve got some picks for you. Try Catedral Mezcal for pure, natural and quality artisanal mezcal.
The Hottest Drinks to Grill with this summer
“Catedral Mezcal offers 6 different mezcal expressions, all of which make excellent cocktails and are smooth enough to sip neat. The unique taste profile of Catedral Mezcal adds the perfect amount of smokiness to balance and elevate any summer cocktail- why make a regular margarita when you can make a mezcal margarita? Adding Catedral Mezcal to summer cocktails also pairs nicely with summer grilling by enhancing the natural wood fire flavors of grilled foods with the balanced hints of smoke flavors found in Catedral Mezcal. ”
https://www.foodandwine.com/mezcal-agave-8406865
Support Small Businesses: 30 Gift Ideas for Literally Everyone on Your Shopping List
Catedral Mezcal is a small family business co-founded by a 27-year-old woman and her dad!
Escape the sea of sameness with gifts of whiskey and wine, and give a bottle of Catedral Mezcal for the holidays. Sipping award-winning Catedral Mezcal will transport the booze lovers on your holiday list to the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, where they can taste the flavors of the earth, a light smoky undercurrent, and a smooth finish. Catedral Mezcal is a handmade, artisanal spirit made from 100% pure agave with zero additives (unlike it’s “cousin” tequila).
Central Coast Wine Competition names Eberle Winery as Winery of the Year
“Best of Class Agave — Catedral De Mi Padre, Paso Robles, Ensamble Mexicano”
We Asked 23 Bartenders: What’s the Best Mezcal for Margaritas?
“We like to use an Espadín that is not overpowering, but can stand up to the tartness and sweetness in the rest of the drink. Catedral de Mi Padre’s Espadín provides a richer, earthier flavor than a typical tequila blanco and is a great option for changing up your Margarita!” —Juan Salgado, bartender, El Jardin, San Jose, Calif.”
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“Catedral de Mi Padre is a family affair, brought to market by father-daughter duo Jeff and Sydney Block in 2022. Like many recognizable mezcal brands, Catedral sources its spirits from distilleries dotted throughout Oaxaca. Its Ensamble is helmed by the René family, its Mexicano by the prodigious Adela del Carmen Cruz Atonio and its Tobala by fourth-generation mezcalero Celestino Cernas.
We’ll just focus on its Tobala for now. If you’ve ever tasted a Tobala before, you’ll know that its flavor leans sweet and funky, veering away from the smokiness often attributed to mezcal in favor of a fruity, almost cheesy profile. Catedral’s take on the concept reflects those flavors in gobs.”
AWARDS
Browse our awards including the California Craft Spirits Competition, New York International Spirits Competition, Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards, and more.
The Alcohol professor
“Mezcal is an even more satisfying experience when sipping from Jícaras: traditional woody cups made from the husk of the calabash fruit. Right now, Catedral de Mi Padre mezcal is offering a set of four cups, with a cleaver woven reed base and handmade in Oaxaca.”
Daughter-Father Duo Launches new Mezcal brand
“Since their launch last year, their line of mezcals are available on premise and off premise in California and New York, along with a few places in Wyoming, and it is shipped to 40 different states through their website. “We brought over what we thought was a year’s supply of inventory, but we sold out in 90 days,” she says. “The response has been beyond our wildest dreams.”
GSN Review: Catedral Mezcal
“Catedral De Mi Padre Mezcal focuses on fostering an appreciation of the traditional handmade methods of making mezcal and on promoting the farm to bottle experience. In order to bring together the maker and the consumer, the brand adds a QR code on each bottle to enable consumers to view video interviews with the mezcalero who crafted the mezcal. This feature directly connects the consumer with the personal history of who, and process of how, the mezcal is made and virtually transports the consumer to the makers’ palenque in Oaxaca”
2023 Fathers Day Gift Guide
“Catedral Mezcal is handmade in Oaxaca by master mezcaleros using ancestral techniques. Catedral Mezcal is the essence of 100% natural pure agave plants. Absolutely nothing else is added. With 14 gold and silver medals earned in just 9 months since launching, experts agree that Catedral Mezcal is the top trending Father’s Day gift in 2023!”
The Best Tequila and Mezcal Announced at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
“If you're looking for something to sip or elevate cocktails, check out these award-winning tequilas and mezcals.'“
Craft Spirits
“Best of Label - Single Bottle: Gold: Catedral de mi Padre Mezcal Agave Spirit. The California Craft Spirits Competition helps promote the craft distillers that are producing the finest quality artisan spirits inside and outside of California, and gives participating distillers valuable feedback on the quality and process of their spirits. This competition is produced and managed by the California Mid-State Fair.”
Catedral Mezcal Triumphs at 2023 LA Spirit Awards, Winning Platinum Award and Best in Class Mezcal
“Catedral Mezcal, a distinguished and emerging mezcal brand, is thrilled to announce its resounding success at the prestigious 2023 LA Spirit Awards. The brand has been honored with two remarkable accolades, the Platinum Award and the coveted Best in Class Mezcal title, further solidifying its position as a beacon of excellence in the spirits industry.”
Why This One Piece of Information is the Most Important Thing on Your Bottle of Mezcal
Sydney Block, co-founder of Catedral de Mi Padre Mezcal, agrees. “The type of agave is very important to the taste of the finished mezcal — it is one of the differentiating factors between mezcal and tequila. In mezcal, there are many different types of agave used, which all impart a unique flavor profile. Additionally, the terroir of the environment also impacts the flavor profile of each agave as altitude, soil type and other vegetation can add nuances of flavor, similar to grapes and wine.”
Central Coast Wine Competition names Eberle Winery as Winery of the Year
The California Mid-State Fair announced Eberle Winery among many winners for its Central Coast Wine Competition this year.
Below is a press release on all the winners:
• Best of Class Agave – Catedral De Mi Padre, Paso Robles, CA, Ensamble Mexicano