Rayu mezcal is a truly unique and artisanal spirit that is crafted with great care and attention to detail. It is a product of traditional Mexican distillation methods and showcases the rich flavors and aromas of the agave plant. The production process of Rayu mezcal is steeped in tradition and involves several distinct steps that contribute to its exceptional character.
Firstly, the agave plants used to make Rayu mezcal are carefully selected and harvested by hand. This ensures that only the ripest and highest quality agaves are chosen, which in turn leads to a more flavorful and nuanced mezcal. The agaves are then cooked in an underground conical oven, known as a palenque, which is heated with wood fire. This method of cooking imparts a smoky and earthy flavor to the mezcal, adding to its complexity.
After the agaves have been cooked, they are crushed to extract the juice. In the case of Rayu mezcal, this is done using a traditional horse-drawn tahona. This ancient method involves a large stone wheel being pulled in a circular motion by a horse, crushing the cooked agaves beneath it. This labor-intensive process is essential in order to release the sugars and flavors from the agaves, resulting in a more authentic and handcrafted mezcal.
Once the agave juice has been extracted, it is naturally fermented in pinewood vats. This fermentation process can take several days and allows the sugars in the juice to be converted into alcohol by the naturally occurring yeasts. The use of pinewood vats adds another layer of complexity to the mezcal, as the wood imparts its own unique flavors and aromas.
After fermentation, the mezcal is distilled in copper pot stills. This double-distillation process helps to refine and purify the spirit, resulting in a smoother and more balanced mezcal. The use of copper stills is particularly important, as copper interacts with the alcohol to remove impurities and enhance the flavors.
The end result is a mezcal that is truly exceptional in its taste and aroma. Rayu mezcal is known for its fruity notes, with flavors of banana, mango, and pineapple being prominent. These fruity flavors are complemented by a touch of caramel, adding a subtle sweetness to the mezcal. The combination of the traditional production methods and the careful selection of high-quality agaves results in a mezcal that is truly unique and full of character.
Rayu mezcal is a handcrafted and artisanal spirit that is made using traditional Mexican distillation methods. From the selection of the agaves to the cooking, crushing, fermentation, and distillation processes, every step is carried out with great care and attention to detail. The result is a mezcal that showcases the rich flavors and aromas of the agave plant, with fruity notes of banana, mango, and pineapple, and a touch of caramel. It is a truly exceptional spirit that is sure to delight mezcal enthusiasts and those looking to explore the world of Mexican spirits.