About ETLA
ETLA is a region located on the outskirts of the central valley in Oaxaca.
Etla Distilleries exists to share the spirit of mezcal.
Distilling Mezcal is a centuries-old practice in Oaxaca, Mexico, which many in the US are just now discovering. ETLA aims to share this craft of distilled spirits with the US and other markets— starting in Texas.
By partnering with the Mezcaleros directly, ETLA ensures each step of the process is of the highest quality: harvest to fermentation to distillation to bottling to sale. This is a differentiator, allowing collaboration with the Distiller— who will have minority ownership in their Mexican label and optimization along the way.
Together, Will and Maria Currie are partnering with the Arellanes family in Oaxaca to bring artisanal mezcal to the US market. They see an opportunity to pair structure, modern business practices, and strategic planning with the artisan distillers’ craft in a way that ensures traditions are preserved, cultural identity remains protected, and best-in-class spirits are marketed and distributed successfully. ETLA Distilleries is just the beginning of these relationships.
Will and Maria hope to partner with many other distillers in a way that empowers them as creators, Oaxaqueños, and the bearers of tradition.
Meet the founders
MariaJosé, born in Hidalgo, Mexico, runs Del Alma Imports, a business that partners with Artisans and Makers across Mexico, bringing their goods to the US market and raising awareness of the centuries-old cultures, practices, and products.
Will has 14 years of experience in the technology industry, specifically in the Go-to-Market and Operations fields, focusing on strategy, and business transformation and optimization. In 2019, he also co-founded a design and e-commerce firm.
Will & Maria Currie build businesses and develop entrepreneurial communities. They have launched and run organizations in the US & Mexico at both the corporate and small business levels, and they co-founded a non-profit, Bild Network Inc., to mobilize people and resources that build, develop, and sustain communities through economic development.
