FAQ…

What is wild fermentation? The cane juice is fermented using only the native yeasts living on the cane itself and in the open highland air. We do not add commercial yeast, like many other large production oriented brands use. Our process is slower and less predictable than conventional fermentation, but it allows the environment to shape the spirit in ways that cultivated yeast simply cannot. Temperature, airflow, season, and the living microbial world of the Oaxacan highlands all influence every ferment.

What does single-origin mean? All of our sugarcane comes from one place: the highlands of Cuicatlán, Oaxaca, Mexico. Many of our partners grow their sugarcane steps from the still used for distilling rum. The altitude, soil, and climate of that specific region are present in every bottle. It is the same principle behind single-origin coffee or chocolate. Where something grows matters.

What is a gravity-fed still? A still designed so that liquid moves through each stage of distillation by elevation rather than by pumps. Built into the natural contours of the workspace, it reduces stress on the liquid, preserves delicate aromas, and keeps the process close to how this region has distilled for generations. The stills are fired by hand, burning bundles of dried spent cane.

What is a trapiche? A traditional sugarcane press used to extract juice from the cane. Our producers use a mechanical three-roller trapiche that extracts clean, mineral-rich juice without the bitterness that comes from high-pressure industrial processing. It is a tool with centuries of history in Oaxacan distillation.

Why does Major Arcana age its rum in New Mexico? Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet in a high desert climate with wide daily temperature swings. Those swings cause barrels to breathe rapidly, pushing the spirit deeper into the oak and concentrating flavor with each cycle. The low humidity dries and sharpens what Oaxaca's humidity rounded. This is not intended to speed up the maturation process, but, rather, it is meant to allow the rum to say something new and different. It is the second half of what makes this rum what it is.

Does Major Arcana add anything to its rum? Nope. Nothing. Nada. Zero added sugar, coloring, flavoring, not even chill filtration. Some expressions are slow-proofed with water over several weeks to reach bottling strength. Our Still Strength is bottled directly off the still with nothing added or removed and our single barrels are always bottled straight from the barrel.

What is the difference between the House Blend and the Barrel Aged Blend? The House Blend brings together unaged and oak-aged rums into a balanced, versatile spirit at 42.5% ABV. It is built to work as well in a daiquiri as it does neat. The Barrel Aged Blend comes entirely from aged barrels, five casks between 24 and 41 months old, drawn from Hungarian oak, French oak, and ex-bourbon, slow-proofed to 44.9% ABV. It is richer, more layered, and carries deeper wood influence.

What is Still Strength? Bottled directly off the still at 53.8% ABV with nothing added and nothing taken away. The full weight of fermentation, distillation, and cane character, uncut and unfiltered. It is the most direct expression of how this rum is made and where it comes from.

What are Single Barrel releases? Individual casks selected at peak maturation and bottled in limited quantities. Each barrel develops differently over time, shaped by wood type, position, fill level, and the seasons it passes through. When a barrel is gone, it is gone. Every release is numbered so you know exactly which one you are drinking.

Which expression should I start with? The House Blend is the clearest entry point. It shows the character of the rum without the intensity of higher-proof expressions and works well in cocktails or on its own. If you already drink mezcal or high-proof spirits, start with the Still Strength. If aged spirits are your preference, the Barrel Aged Blend is where to begin.

Are your expressions available for purchase online? Alcohol shipping regulations currently limit us to distribution within markets where we have distribution. We should have DTC online purchasing options in 2027 for markets we do not have distribution representation. Visit the Find Us page for a current list of stockists near you.

Where can I find Major Arcana in New Mexico? At bars, restaurants, and bottle shops across Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos, and Rio Rancho. Including Total Wine and More, Susan's Fine Wine and Spirits, Kokoman Fine Wines and Liquor, Daydream Rum Bar, and others. The full list lives on our Find Us page.

Where can I find Major Arcana in California? We are expanding our California presence. Email us at MajorArcanaSpirits@gmail.com for current availability near you.

How do I get Major Arcana stocked at my favorite bar or bottle shop? Tell us where you want to see it and we will reach out to them directly. Email us at MajorArcanaSpirits@gmail.com.

Do you work with bars and restaurants on wholesale? Yes. We work directly and through our distribution partners with bars, restaurants, and bottle shops within our distribution markets. Reach out at MajorArcanaSpirits@gmail.com and we will connect you with the right contact.

Can I commission a custom blend or private barrel? We have a small program for custom blends, private bottlings, and single-barrel selections. If you are a bar building a house rum, a collector looking for something specific, or a business interested in a collaboration, reach out and tell us what you have in mind.

Do you work with unusual cask types? We do experiment with non-standard finishes and are open to collaborations involving different wood types, proofing targets, or cask histories. Email us and start the conversation.