If you’re a fan of tequila or mezcal, you might want to try Sotol, a lesser-known spirit gaining popularity in the US. Sotol is a distilled spirit made from the Desert Spoon plant, native to northern Mexico and the southwestern US. It has a unique flavor profile that’s often described as smoky, earthy, and vegetal, and it’s a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, in cocktails, or as a substitute for tequila or mezcal.
This guide will give you an overview of Sotol, its history, its making, and some popular brands to try. Whether you’re a seasoned drinker or a curious newcomer, we hope this guide will inspire you to explore the world of Sotol.
History of Sotol
Sotol has a long history in northern Mexico and the southwestern US, where the Desert Spoon plant grows naturally in the Chihuahuan desert. The region’s indigenous people, including the Tarahumara and the Huichol, have been using Sotol for centuries for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
The Spanish introduced distillation to the region in the 16th century, and Sotol began to be produced as a distilled spirit. However, it remained a local specialty and never gained the widespread popularity of tequila or mezcal.
In recent years, Sotol has begun to gain recognition in the US, thanks to a growing interest in craft spirits and the work of pioneering producers like Hacienda de Chihuahua and Don Cuco.
How Sotol is Made
Sotol is made from the Desert Spoon plant, also known as Sotol in Spanish. The plant looks similar to a yucca plant and has long, narrow leaves that grow from a central base. It takes about 15 years for the plant to mature and be ready for harvesting.
The heart of the plant, known as the piña, is the part used for making Sotol. First, the piña is cooked in an earthen pit oven, which gives the Sotol its signature smoky flavor. After cooking, the piña is crushed, and the juice is fermented with wild yeast. Finally, the fermented juice is distilled in copper pot stills to create the finished Sotol.
Sotol Brands to Try
If you’re interested in trying Sotol, several brands are available in the US. Here are a few popular ones to get you started:
- La Higuera – At Sotol La Higuera, fermentation occurs with native yeast in 1,000-liter pine vats. The sotols are then double distilled in copper alembic stills.
- Sotol Coyote – Clan Coyote’s handcrafted Sotol Coyote is equal parts art and science. Relying on centuries of experience, it is one of the few drinks in Mexico that retains its ancestral preparation method. Every bottle of Sotol Coyote contains a single plant’s distilled nectar, providing a rich bouquet of unmatched flavor.
- Sotol 1709 – 100% Handcrafted Premium Sotol, Introducing one of Chihuahua’s Jewels and proudly using the official year of its foundation.
Exploring Sotol at SF Tequila Shop
If you’re in the San Francisco area and want to explore Sotol, head to SF Tequila Shop. They offer a wide selection of sotol brands, including Hacienda de Chihuah.
