Vinomex, S.A. de C.V.
Hacienda De Chihuahua
38%
NAS
Hacienda de Chihuahua Plata Sotol is made from wild-harvested dasylirion wheeleri plants, otherwise known as desert spoon, in the northern state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The shrubs are wild harvested, steamed via indirect heat, fermented at winter temperatures with a combination of Champagne and wine yeast and double distilled in column stills. The unaged sotol clocks in at 38% ABV, a standard proof point in Mexico where the legal minimum is 35%.
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Sweet and subdued, packing far less of the vegetal punch usually associated with the spirit. Notes of cantaloupe, guava, wildflowers, grass and a trace of woodiness.
The dominant flavor I'm getting here is banana. Tropical, slightly gooey, fresh-peeled banana. It's a pleasant surprise, none too overwhelming and a nice pairing alongside subdued hints of tilled earth, straw and oregano. The below-average ABV does show a bit here, as I imagine even a few extra proof points might amp up some of those finer flavors. No complaints about the mouthfeel, though, which has a smooth, silky quality.
A bittersweet mix of fennel seeds, anise, honey and melon.
Were you to pick a single sotol from the crowd that would appeal to skeptics, no doubt that it'd be Hacienda de Chihuahua Plata. It's clear that a tremendous amount of effort have been put into streamlining the experience, adding up to a spirit less showstopping than it is clean, approachable and highly versatile for mixology needs. There's something about that signature banana flavor that has me reaching for another glass, and I can't wait to mix it into a refreshing highball.
87
Disclosure: The producer provided this sample to review free of charge, and without expectation of review or rating.
