Bacanora is a clear, limited-production alcohol made in Mexico. It is made from agave plants that grow wild in Sonora state. Producers just call the plant “yaquiano” agave, but in fact there are at least four different species of agave that are used: agave yaquiana (aka agave angustifolia or agave pacifical,) agave potatorum, eggers’ century…
Mexican Alcohols
Pulque
Pulque is a milky, fermented alcoholic beverage made in Mexico from the agave plant. Its taste ranges from slightly sweet to slightly sour, depending on how old it is. But “young” and “old” are very relative terms here, because Pulque only has a life span of a few days. A few days after fermentation has…
Raicilla
Raicilla is Mezcal that has been brewed from a variety of agave known as “Mules Foot” (“Pata de Mula.”) [1] Production centres around Puerto Vallarta in the Mexican state of Jalisco. “Piñas” are harvested from the agave plants (see Mezcal for more detailed information), and slow baked in brick ovens for 24 hours, then crushed,…
Sotol
Sotol Mezcal is made in Chihuahua state in Mexico. The variety of agave used is a wild agave called Sotol [1]Aka “Desert Spoon.” Scientific name is “Agavacea dasylirion Wheeleri.”. The grows up to 3 feet (1 metre) tall, has saw-toothed leaves. The plant can bloom several times during its life, unlike most other agaves which…
Tequila
Tequila is, broadly classified, a mezcal. The name Tequila was only applied in the late-1800s to distinguish it from other mezcals. Unlike other mezcals, tequila is made only from one kind of agave plant, the blue agave (aka tequilana weber azul.) It is a strong, clear alcohol. Some bottles are sold with a worm in…
Tlahuelompa
Tlahuelompa is Mezcal made from blue agave plants in Tlahuelompa, a city in Hidalgo state in Mexico.