If you're a fan of Mexican spirits like tequila, mezcal, bacanora, and raicilla, then you'll definitely want to give sotol a try. Sotol is distilled from the fermented juice of the Dasylirion wheeleri plant, also known as sotol or desert spoon. Unlike other popular Mexican spirits which are made from agave, sotol is made from a rlated group of plants in the dasylirion genus. Since this plant is native to northern Mexico and parts of Texas and Arizona, it's a great way to experience local flavors without leaving your home.
Sotol has a unique flavor that sets it apart from its agave-based counterparts. It has a grassy aroma with slight earthy undertones and sweet notes of vanilla and caramel. The taste is slightly bitter but has a pleasant herbal finish. Its smooth finish makes it an ideal cocktail ingredient in addition to being enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Hacienda de Chihuahua bottles their spirit at 38% ABV, while most tequilas are bottled at 40% ABV. This makes sotol a great alternative for those looking for something lighter than tequila but with more flavor than vodka or gin. It pairs well with citrus fruits like lime or orange as well as spicy ingredients like jalapeños or cilantro for an extra kick.
Sotol has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its unique flavor profile and versatility in cocktails. It can be used as a substitute for mezcal in drinks like the Paloma or as a featured ingredient like in the Sotol Sour. With its eye-opening flavor bomb power, sotol is sure to become an increasingly popular spirit among liquor connoisseurs around the world!
Is Sotol Stronger Than Tequila?
Sotol is not stronger than tequila. While tequila is typically bottled at 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), sotol is usually bottled at 38% ABV. Therefore, tequila has a higher alcohol percentage than sotol. However, both spirits have similar flavor profiles and can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails or as a neat pour.
Is Sotol Comparable to Tequila?
Sotol is not the same as tequila. Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, while sotol is made from the Dasylirion wheeleri, a type of desert shrub native to northern Mexico. While tequila is typically aged in oak barrels to give it its signature smoky flavor, sotol is not aged, giving it a lighter flavor that often has notes of green herbs and citrus. The two drinks also differ in alcohol content, with tequila typically ranging from 35-55% ABV and sotol up to 50% ABV.
The Strength of Mezcal
Mezcal is renowned for its powerful taste, which comes from its high alcohol content as well as its unique production process. Mezcal is traditionally made by roasting agave hearts over a fire, giving it an intense smoky flavour. The terroir of the agaves also affects the final taste of mezcal, creating different varieties of flavours ranging from mild to intense. For this reason, it is highly recommended to try artisanal mezcal to experience its full range of flavours and complexity.
Conclusion
Sotol is a unique and flavorful spirit that has been gaining traction in the American liquor market. Unlike its agave-based counterparts such as tequila and mezcal, sotol is made from the fermented juice of the Dasylirion Wheeleri plant, better known as sotol or desert spoon. This lends it a distinct flavor profile that's earthy, herbal, and even slightly sweet. Its ABV is usually lower than that of other spirits, usually bottling at 38%, making it an easy drinking option for those lookig to enjoy something different. Sotol's unique flavor profile makes it a great addition to any bar or home liquor cabinet.
