Posh Altar, a trailblazing new brand of the traditional Mexican spirit distilled from ancestral corn called pox (pronounced posh), is entering the U.S. market in Austin, Los Angeles, and New York City this September. Posh Altar is one of the few pox brands on the market, and is the first of its kind to offer five distinctive varieties of this sacred spirit with locally sourced ingredients like vanilla, cacao, and coffee from the Chiapas region: Natural, Reposado, Café, Cacao, and Vanilla. Each of these expressions of Posh Altar is crafted in honor of the ceremonial origins of pox, from production to consumption. With its sweet corn notes and subtle smoky flavors, Posh Altar offers a taste reminiscent of ancient Mayan rituals. It’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and the sacred maize that binds them.
Originally crafted by the indigenous Tzotzil Mayans in Chiapas, Mexico, pox has long held cultural significance as a ceremonial drink, historically used in religious rituals—a tradition that continues today—and ceremonies for purification and protection, symbolizing life, fertility, and the connection to the divine. Pox has a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from other spirits; it can be enjoyed in various ways: straight, in a variety of cocktails—much like one would use tequila or rum—or as a culinary ingredient, making it a versatile addition to any bar or kitchen. Its unique taste adds a touch of Chiapas’ cultural essence to any experience. Intended for the curious and those who dare to be different, Posh Altar offers a portal into the mystical, vibrant, and spiritual world of Chiapas.
Posh Altar was concocted by two entrepreneurs, Oscar Portillo and Scott Myers, inspired by the rich culture and sacred nature of pox, a distilled spirit revered for centuries by the Mayan people of southern Mexico. As a native of Mexico, Oscar is proud of his country’s unique heritage and the many beautiful things it has to offer. As an American who has been traveling to Mexico since childhood, Scott loves to share his experiences and passion for Mexico. Together, the founders are eager to share this ancient Mayan spirit with the rest of the world.
The traditional production of pox involves the creation of mash from a mixture of corn, wheat, and sugarcane. The Posh Altar interpretation is always innovating, utilizing the local ingredients of the natural environment in its mash fermentation each year—and the current 2023/2024 vintage is crafted without any wheat, ensuring that the product is completely gluten-free. The fermentation process takes place in wooden/clay vessels and is influenced by traditional techniques passed down through generations. This mash is then fermented for several days and marks the pivotal moment in developing the original flavor of pox. Once fermentation is complete, the mash undergoes a distillation process—using traditional stills of clay, copper, or others—further imparting unique characteristics to the spirit and resulting in the final clear and potent liquor. This strong liquor is infused with ingredients from the local flora and masterfully blended to create Posh Altar.
With the exceptional food and beverage scenes of Austin, Los Angeles, and New York City and the vibrant, influential, and tasteful communities creating and innovating in these cities, it was a natural fit to import Posh Altar into such U.S. markets first. The brand plans to make its mark in these innovative places, then expand to other markets as the demand for the spirit grows.
As pox gains international recognition, Posh Altar not only introduces a unique spirit to the world, but also highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous traditions and craftsmanship. Its production and consumption preserve indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage, maintaining a link to ancestral traditions. Pox enriches the cultural fabric of Chiapas, ensuring the continuity of the rich heritage of the Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya communities.
ABOUT POSH ALTAR:
Posh Altar is a trailblazing new brand of the traditional Mexican spirit distilled from ancestral corn called pox (pronounced posh). The brand launched across the U.S. markets of Austin, Los Angeles, and New York City in September of 2024 to start, with other markets on the horizon. Posh Altar is crafted using the highest quality ingredients sourced from local farms in the Chiapas region, giving each sip a unique and distinctive flavor. As a brand, Posh Altar continuously innovates while respecting and utilizing traditional methods. It relies heavily on surrounding farmers and the local terroir, sourcing only the finest ingredients to create its unique spirit. Completely natural, Posh Altar is cleaner and purer than other flavored alcohols, infused with locally sourced ingredients like the highest quality vanilla, cacao, and coffee from Chiapas. With its sweet corn notes and subtle smoky flavors, Posh Altar offers a taste reminiscent of ancient Mayan rituals. It’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and the sacred maize that binds them.