Distilling jabali agave is notoriously difficult. For Cariño, Michelin-starred tasting menu and late-night taco omakase restaurant in Uptown, and Paquera Mezcal, that challenge felt like the right canvas for something bigger. Their new collaboration brings a rare jabali mezcal together with a custom hoodie, available only at Cariño for a limited run, dropping this September. And while the mezcal itself is worth the hunt, its deeper purpose is even more compelling: proceeds will go to Latinos Progresando, the Chicago nonprofit providing critical immigration legal services to families who need them most.

From the beginning, Chef Norman Fenton knew he wanted his restaurant to give back to Latino organizations: “The community in Mexico embraced and uplifted me as a chef. I want to filter as much back to those communities as I can.”

That’s where Latinos Progresando comes in. The organization helps individuals and families navigate the complex, expensive, and often overwhelming immigration process. Fenton shares about his own experience with the organization: “For me personally, we had some resources at the start, but even then, lawyers could only take us so far. Latinos Progresando stepped in with real support for us.” Fenton’s wife, Karina Garcia, currently lives in Cancun with their child and step-son and is awaiting an upcoming citizenship interview after nearly 4 years of paperwork, interviews, and exams.

Paquera Mezcal, operates within a cooperative of mezcaleros in Oaxaca. Fenton prioritized the collaboration between the brand and his restaurant as both businesses share a similar ethos. Paquera ensures money goes directly to the families producing the spirit, honoring their expertise and labor. This release, distilled from wild jabali agave that takes up to 16 years to mature, embodies that commitment. Distillers for example, sleep beside the stills, carefully monitoring the fermentation process to avoid foam.

In its first year, Cariño raised an estimated $4,000 for Latinos Progresando through the monthy Tacos with Friends series. This year, along with the Paquera collaboration, Fenton’s goal is to raise closer to $10,000—and just as importantly, spread awareness. “Normal people need help,” he says. “The restaurant industry is filled with people navigating these [immigration] challenges without resources.”

Only 236 bottles of this jabali mezcal will be produced, along with a limited run of hoodies featuring artistic styles from both brands. Both are available exclusively through Cariño for pickup.

To learn more about Latinos Progresando, explore available resources, or support the organization directly, please visit latinospro.org.