Agave Spirits: RAICILLA
What is Raicilla
Raicilla (pron rye-see-ya) is the name given to agave distillate in the state of Jalisco traditionally from Puerta Vallarta and Sierra Madre Occidental region.
Agave Type
Raicilla is made from various agave types but not from blue weber agave. Commercially available raicillas are made from agave angustifolia, rhodacantha, inaequidens and cenizo.
Region/Location
Raicilla is produced in Jalisco but since it is not made with blue weber agave it cannot be called Tequila.
How is Raicilla Made
Similar to many ancestral mezcal producers, the wild agave are discovered then harvested by hand. The hearts are roasted in below ground pit ovens using local wood as fuel. The hearts are then crushed by hand and mallet and sometimes with a tahona before they are fermented in ground vats chiselled into the rock or in wooden vats. The is distilled with the bagazo in a pot still made from clay, wood and local plant materials.
Raicilla Flavour Profile
Raicilla has an intense flavour profile with mint, caraway, nutmeg, cardamom, all spice even blue cheese.
Raicilla Categories
Raicilla is bottled usually unaged.
How to Drink Raicilla
Drink it straight. Although pricey in cocktails, use it in julep style drinks and as an alternative to gin.
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