I’ve been writing about alcohol for nearly two decades and in that time, I’ve imbibed countless glasses of award-winning, complex agave-based spirits like tequila and mezcal. If you’re anything like me and you’re a fan of these two spirits, Moon Shift is a new, artisanal spirit that you should know about.
While it’s similar, it’s not technically a tequila or even a mezcal. In fact, it’s an artisanal destilado de agave. What does that mean and what is Moon Shift? Keep scrolling to learn all about this unique brand.
What is Moon Shift?
As we mentioned earlier, Moon Shift is an award-winning artisanal destilado de agave brand. It has deep roots in Oaxaca, but an American base in Kansas City. Founded by husband-and-wife Dan Grocki and Cathy Owen, and Gabriel González Pérez, it was launched in 2021.
What is an artisanal destilado de agave?
If you’re anything like us, you might be confused by the term destilado de agave. So, it’s not a tequila or a mezcal, but it’s an agave-based spirit? In the simplest terms, “destilado de agave” translates to “agave spirit.”
“Think of destilado de agave in terms of prioritizing diversity in agave varietal offerings, and creativity in unique, small batch production recipes and methods,” says co-founder Dan Grocki.
He adds, “The Moon Shift is proudly classified as artisanal, and is crafted by hand by Maestro Mezcalero Israel Perez Santiago. The agave is cooked in earthen pits, crushed under a 2,000-pound stone pulled by horse, malolactic fermentation in open-air wooden vats using local wild yeast, and distilled using alembic copper stills—producing small batches. The spirit is distilled in rhythm with the lunar cycle, reflecting the brand’s namesake and deep spiritual connection to nature.”
How is it different from tequila?
There are many differences between tequila and destilado de agave.
“The differences between The Moon Shift and tequila include which agaves are used, production processes, and the states in Mexico where the products are made,” says Grocki.
The Moon Shift uses a variety of wild and cultivated species and subvarieties of agave, as opposed to simply Blue Weber agave. The production includes ancestral and artisanal techniques. Lastly, it’s produced in Oaxaca and eight other Mexican states.
What is its history?
The couple was living in Tulum, Mexico and running a restaurant when they turned to Mexico City native Gabriel González Pérez to help them find a small batch mezcal to serve to guests. The trio visited Son de la Luna, a palenque in Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca where they met Maestro Mezcalero Israel Pérez Santiago, a fourth-generation distiller. Instead of finding a mezcal to serve in their restaurant, they decided to collaborate on a spirit.
The brand currently has two expressions. They are Espadin Capon Artisanal and Aged Wild Madrecuixe Artisanal.
Why should tequila drinkers try Moon Shift?
Fans of agave-based spirits should seek out Moon Shift if they’re interested in trying something artisanal and unique.
“The Moon Shift is an elegant and sophisticated destilado de agave,” says Grocki.
“It is very approachable – smokiness is very light, integrated and balanced. If you are looking for a new and uncommon agave spirits experience, we invite you to try The Moon Shift. The juice is delicious – whether in a cocktail or just sipping – and you will love it.”
