Step Aside, Tequila: Discover Why Sotol Is Unbelievably The Best Mexican Spirit You Should Be Sipping
Have you tried Sotol? While many have imbibed Mexico’s most iconic spirit, Tequila, or its cousin, Mezcal, our palate is always evolving becoming more diverse, more complex, and sophisticated. And if you are a seasoned agave-drinking connoisseur, you are staying curious, all the while slowly sipping your way through the regions of Mexico.
Sotol is a unique, high quality and the best Mexican craft spirit you need to try now. Made in Chihuahua, the northern part of Mexico from the Dasylirion plant- a shrub in the asparagus family. The plant takes 12-22 years to mature, surviving hostile environments and thriving without fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Grown primarily in Northern Mexico, it can also be found as a far south as Oaxaca or far north as southern Arizona, Texas and New Mexico as its use dates back to 7,000 B.C.
When you sip Sotol, you taste a sense of clean, bright and herbs with a smooth and silky finish. This artisanal spirit is notable for its complexity and variation. Sotol is also known for containing fewer sugars than agave-based spirits giving it a richer, more complex flavor profile.
Sotol, the official sprit of Chihuahua, is taking notice again, and starting to appear in creative bartender-designed cocktails. A recent visit to one of NYC’s best restaurants, Cosme, led to the discovery of the Mexican liquor you need to try- Casa Latos Sotol Blanco. It is made from the heart of the Dasylirion plant, where it is hand-harvested in the wild then cooked in a brick oven. The plant is fermented in native pine and double-distilled in copper stills for exceptional flavor. On the nose are notes of green peppercorns, cucumber, pine and aloe. The taste is crisp and clean, involving notes of green peppers, dried herbs, maple and cactus leaving a well-balanced finish.
For cocktails, try the refreshing El Colibri at this NYC hotspot, which involves Casa Lotos Sotol Blanco, grapefruit extraction, lime, and Topo Chico. If you like Negronis, then The Invisible Friend cocktail is for you. It highlights Casa Lotos Sotol Blanco, Crème de cacao, Dolin Blanc, and Salers. And the Phenomenal, was actually that -Phenomenal! Featuring Casa Lotos, Dolin Blanc, Elixir Vegetal, and Fennel.
The perfect food pairings while you sip the best Mexican spirit at Cosme consist for starters, Herb guacamole, Octopus with potatoes, and Chile mix. Order the Hiramasa Ceviche a la Mexicana. And, the Fluke with fennel and tomato-aguachile, Tataki Al Pastor, and certainly the Duck Carnitas topped with radishes and cilantro.
With the growing popularity of both mezcal and tequila rises a new demand while maintaining the authenticity these spirits are known for its time to discover the next best Mexican spirit. Cheers!