What Is Comiteco? Chiapas’ Protected Spirit from the Comitán Region

Comiteco is a traditional Chiapas spirit associated with the Meseta Comiteca Tojolabal. A federal declaration published on October 6, 2025 protects the name “Comiteco de Comitán, Chiapas” as an Indicación Geográfica Protegida (IGP).

Quick answer

Region: Meseta Comiteca Tojolabal, Chiapas
Protected product: spirit made from maguey comiteco (Agave americana L.) and cane sugars
Protected status: Indicación Geográfica Protegida under the 2025 federal declaration
Most closely associated city: Comitán de Domínguez
Buying distinction: a bottle sold in Comitán or San Cristóbal is not automatically protected Comiteco; look for the Comiteco name and IGP wording.

What Comiteco is made from

The federal protection declaration defines Comiteco de Comitán, Chiapas as a spirit made from maguey comiteco (Agave americana L.) and cane sugars.

The Chiapas state origin page describes the traditional process around aguamiel, the sap extracted from the maguey. This production history is one reason Comiteco should not be reduced to a generic “agave spirit” label.

How it differs from Mezcal

Official federal agriculture material has historically grouped Comiteco among Mexico’s maguey distillates, but it also emphasizes that its production process differs from the way mezcal is normally obtained.

The declaration gives Comiteco its own geographical indication and product rules. When comparing a bottle or menu description, treat “Comiteco” as its own category rather than another name for Mezcal.

Protected geographic area

The federal declaration protects the name within the Meseta Comiteca Tojolabal. The protected zone includes these municipalities:

• Comitán de Domínguez;
• Las Margaritas;
• La Independencia;
• La Trinitaria;
• Tzimol;
• Socoltenango;
• Las Rosas;
• Chanal;
• Amatenango del Valle.

The protected name is therefore more specific than “a spirit from Chiapas.” Authorized use must comply with the geographical-indication rules and IMPI requirements.