The SMWS has a new home at a partner bar two hours south-east of Mexico City. Club+ Whisky Puebla was founded by Gabriel Esper, a designer and art collector who has turned his passions into building a new whisky community
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Partner bar: Club+ Whisky Puebla
Whisky enthusiasts have found a new home-from-home at Club+ Whisky Puebla two hours from Mexico City
What makes someone start a whisky club? For Gabriel Esper, it began with a collection. Originally from Córdoba in Veracruz and now based in Puebla, Gabriel built a career in design and architecture after studying graphic design. Today his work focuses on architectural projects created from shipping containers, but collecting has been a constant passion.
“From an early age I’ve been drawn to collecting,” he says. “I’ve been an art collector for many years, so the move to collecting whiskies was a natural one.”
At first it was the packaging, colours and presentation that caught his eye. Before long, however, the bottles led him to something much deeper: flavour, history and the stories behind the drams.
Gabriel Esper (right), founder of Club+ Whisky Puebla, with Hardey Martínez León from SMWS Mexico
As Gabriel’s collection grew, he found himself wanting to share the experience with others. “When I started collecting whiskies I felt rather isolated,” he says. “Then I discovered a friend had his own collection and felt exactly the same desire to share it with someone.”
That conversation sparked an idea, and in November 2022, Gabriel founded Club+ Whisky Puebla, creating a space where friends could gather to discuss whisky, distilleries and tasting experiences. What began with just 12 members has since grown into a community of 120 whisky enthusiasts.
“What I enjoy most is being able to share a passion with our members,” he says. “I’ve made great friendships through the club. There have been trips, stories and memorable experiences. It’s a reminder that even in a hectic world, there’s always a moment for a good dram.”
Gabriel says becoming a partner bar with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a natural fit for whisky adventurers
Like many whisky lovers, Gabriel’s journey eventually took him beyond mainstream releases and into the world of independent bottlings.
“As you delve deeper into whisky and search for something more refined on the palate, you eventually arrive at the world of the SMWS,” he says. “It’s a wonderful discovery that you simply cannot miss.”
And Society whiskies quickly found an appreciative audience within Club+ Whisky Puebla.
“Every time we have the opportunity to taste them, there’s great interest and excitement,” says Gabriel. “Among all the independent bottlers, the SMWS has an impeccable curation.”
For many members, the cask strength nature of the whiskies soon becomes secondary to the experience itself.
“The alcohol strengths fade into the background as you get to know them better, and flavours you never imagined begin to emerge.”
While global spirits consumption has softened in recent years, Gabriel has witnessed growing interest in collectable bottles and independent bottlings across Mexico.
“There are places where these kinds of bottlings were once very far removed from the consumer,” he says. “At Club+ Whisky Puebla we’ve been working to bring them to every corner of our state.”
That mission of discovery, education and shared enjoyment feels perfectly aligned with the Society’s own outlook. What started as a conversation between two collectors has become one of Mexico’s most vibrant whisky communities, bringing together people from all walks of life through a shared curiosity for flavour.
For Society members, Club+ Whisky Puebla offers exactly what every great partner bar should: a warm welcome, fascinating drams and plenty of stories waiting to be shared.
Find out more about Club+ Whisky Puebla and keep up to date with activities at https://www.instagram.com/clubwhiskypuebla/