Sotol La Higuera Texanum is a wild-harvested sotol from Aldama, Chihuahua, made from the Dasylirion texanum plant by master sotolero Gerardo Ruelas and bottled at 99.8 proof (49.9% ABV).
Dasylirion texanum is native to central and southwestern Texas and to Coahuila in northeastern Mexico, including the Chihuahuan Desert. La Higuera is produced using traditional methods: the plants are cooked in an outdoor conical oven fired by wood and rocks, milled by hand with axes, fermented with wild yeast in 1,000-liter pine vats, and double distilled in copper alembic stills.
The nose brings dried grass, minerals and light smoke. Flavors of sunflower seeds and caramel show on a medium-to-full body with a velvety finish, and this higher-proof batch amplifies the plant's sweetness and mineral intensity.
A true expression of the desert, it makes a memorable gift for agave and sotol explorers.
Sotol has been made in northern Mexico for centuries, and it carries its own Denomination of Origin covering Chihuahua, Durango and Coahuila.
Wood-fired earthen ovens give sotol a gentle smokiness that lets the plant's grassy, mineral character come through.
At nearly 100 proof, a few drops of water open up the caramel and sunflower seed notes.
Pour it alongside a mezcal to compare how the desert plant differs from agave.
Its savory, mineral profile pairs naturally with salty snacks like roasted pepitas.
Collectors of agave spirits will find it a fascinating addition to the shelf.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Dried grass, minerals, light smoke.
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Palate: Sunflower seeds and caramel.
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Finish: Velvety.
Specifications
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Brand: Sotol La Higuera
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Sotolero: Gerardo Ruelas
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Plant: Wild Dasylirion texanum
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Process: Conical earth oven, axe-milled, pine vats, copper alembic
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Proof / ABV: 99.8 proof (49.9% ABV)
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Region: Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat at room temperature from a copita, or use it in place of mezcal in a Negroni. It pairs with grilled meats, roasted nuts or goat cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sotol?
A spirit distilled from the Dasylirion plant, not agave.
Who makes it?
Master sotolero Gerardo Ruelas in Aldama, Chihuahua.
What is the proof?
99.8 proof (49.9% ABV).
Explore more in our Spirits collection.
