Erstwhile Cucharillo Limited Edition 2021 is a joven artisanal spirit distilled from wild sotol, known as cucharillo, harvested in the southern highlands of Oaxaca and bottled at 48% ABV.
It is the most aromatic and botanical spirit of Erstwhile's 2021 limited releases. The wild plants were harvested on the Lucas García family's estate in San Isidro Guishe, where oregano, lemon balm and other wild mountain herbs grow naturally on the same hills. Sotol, or cucharillo, is a desert spoon plant rather than an agave, which gives its spirit a distinctly green, herbal character.
The wild mountain herbs of its home, oregano and lemon balm among them, shape a delightful bouquet and run through its mouthfeel and flavour.
A rare small-batch sotol, it makes an unusual gift for agave-spirit explorers.
Sip it slowly from a copita at room temperature.
Sotol is a traditional spirit of northern and central Mexico, long made by distilling the roasted heart of the desert spoon plant; like mezcal, it is cooked, crushed, fermented and distilled by hand in small batches.
Because the plants grow wild, each harvest reflects the hillside where it was gathered, and the herbs that grow around them often show up in the spirit's aroma.
A joven spirit is bottled unaged, so the plant, the roast and the land come through without the influence of oak.
As a dated limited edition, this 2021 bottling captures one plant, one family and one place.
Tasting Notes
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Aroma: Oregano, lemon balm and wild mountain herbs.
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Character: Aromatic and botanical.
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Plant: Wild cucharillo (sotol).
Specifications
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Brand: Erstwhile
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Producer: Lucas García family
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Style: Sotol, Joven, artisanal
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Expression / Batch: Limited Edition 2021
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Proof / ABV: 96 proof (48% ABV)
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Region: San Isidro Guishe, Oaxaca, Mexico
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat from a copita. It pairs with herb-driven dishes, grilled fish or citrus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sotol?
A spirit distilled from the desert spoon plant, called cucharillo.
Where was it harvested?
On the Lucas García family estate in San Isidro Guishe, Oaxaca.
What does it taste like?
Aromatic and herbal, with oregano and lemon balm.
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