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Rafael Shin
Founder at Agua Mágica Mezcal
Rafael Shin is the founder of Agua Mágica Mezcal, a premium mezcal brand launched in May 2021.2 Here are some key details about Rafael Shin:
Background and Education
Rafael was born in Seoul, Korea, but moved to Mexico City when he was one year old.3 He considers himself Mexican, having grown up there. Rafael received his education from:
- Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (BS in Economics, 2000-2005)1
- University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School (MBA, 2008-2010)1
Professional Experience
Before founding Agua Mágica, Rafael had a career in finance:
- Senior Analyst Food and Beverages Latam at Morgan Stanley (2016-2019)1
- Lead Research Analyst - Retail and Food & Beverages at BTG Pactual (2010-2016)1
- Associate at Credit Suisse (2005-2008)1
Founding Agua Mágica
Rafael's connection to Oaxaca, where he had been traveling for over 32 years, inspired him to create Agua Mágica.2 He spent two years developing the brand, including:
- Meeting 80-90 mezcal producers in Oaxaca
- Tasting numerous mezcal expressions
- Conducting market research with friends and bartenders in New York City2
Rafael raised over $3 million from friends and family to launch the brand.2
Brand Mission
Agua Mágica aims to:
- Preserve Mexican culture, specifically from Oaxaca
- Educate consumers on mezcal heritage and traditions
- Empower local entrepreneurship in Oaxaca
- Redirect the growth of mezcal to benefit local communities23
The brand partners with Maestro Mezcalero Rogelio Juan Hernández, a 5th generation mezcal producer from San Juan del Río, Oaxaca.4
