Distilling Mexico Season 1 Episode 5 Distilling Chiapas: Pox

Distilling Mexico season 1 episode 5 titled "Distilling Chiapas: Pox" delves into the traditional liquor of the indigenous people of Mexico, known as Pox. The episode explores the state of Chiapas, where many of the indigenous communities produce and consume this prized drink, and the traditional practices that go into making it.

The episode begins with a brief history lesson on the production of Pox, showing the importance of corn in the Mayan civilization and how it is still a vital component in the production of Pox today. Viewers are then taken on a trip to the Zinacantan community, located in the highlands of Chiapas, to witness the traditional production process of the drink.

The traditional process of making Pox is a labor-intensive one that involves the use of fire and earth. The episode showcases how the maguey plant, which is used to produce the liquor, is harvested, stripped of its bark, and cooked in an underground oven. The cooked maguey is then crushed in a hand-mill, and the juice is collected in a hollowed-out tree trunk, where it is left to ferment.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the different varieties of Pox, such as Poxima, which is made from the sugarcane and is predominantly found in the Soconusco region. The episode also explains the different forms of Pox, such as white Pox, which is unaged, and black Pox, which is aged for several months in wooden barrels.

The episode also explores the cultural significance of Pox in the lives of the indigenous communities of Chiapas. Pox is highly revered by the Tzotzil, Tzeltal, and Ch'ol communities, who often consume it during religious ceremonies and social gatherings. The episode showcases how Pox is a local drink that has become a symbol of cultural identity and heritage.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the commercialization of Pox and how it is being exported to other parts of the world. The episode highlights the challenges faced by the indigenous communities as they compete with larger producers, such as Tequila and Mezcal. The episode also sheds light on the challenges faced by the indigenous producers who must navigate the complex regulatory environment around the production and sale of alcoholic beverages.

Overall, Distilling Mexico season 1 episode 5, "Distilling Chiapas: Pox," is an intriguing exploration of the traditional liquor of the indigenous communities of Mexico. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the producers and their unique production process, as well as the cultural significance of the drink in the lives of the indigenous communities. The episode also highlights the challenges faced by the communities in the face of the commercialization of Pox and the regulations around its production.