I absolutely love this newly emerging popularity of Mexican spirits. With it's rich stories of family heritage and political intrigue that matches or even exceeds anything found in the back woods of Kentucky and Tennessee's whiskey distillers. Part of this is that it offers something new and exotic yet also being so close, in this case, coming to us from Chihaua ... right across the US border from west Texas and New Mexico. In the case of Acrónimo Sotol, too, draws on more than a century of heritage but steps into the future with a young, passionate founder who is looking to extend her family's legacy and make an impact in the modern spirits industry.
The Rise of Sotol: Mexico's Hidden Gem
While tequila and mezcal have long dominated the Mexican spirits landscape, sotol is now emerging as a category ready to step out from the shadow of its agave-cousins. Sotol is not just an intriguing alternative with over 800 years of history, but rather, it is a spirit that complements existing cocktail concepts as well as providing something unique and special for those occasions when you're looking for something out of the ordinary. Unlike its agave-based cousins, sotol is crafted from the Dasylirion plant, a desert-dwelling succulent from the asparagus family. Where mezcal offers intense smokiness and tequila brings familiar agave sweetness, sotol presents a unique profile that bridges the gap between these two iconic spirits.
Behind Acrónimo Spirits
In the heart of Chihuahua, Mexico, siblings Alessandra and Jose Luis Camino Creel are writing a new chapter in their family's storied legacy. Working alongside Casa Ruelas, a fifth-generation sotol producer, Acrónimo Spirits combines traditional production methods with modern sensibilities. Their approach involves harvesting two distinct Dasylirion species and employing wild yeasts from nearby orchards, creating a spirit that honors tradition while appealing to contemporary palates.
So How Does Acrónimo Sotol Taste?
When tasting Acrónimo Sotol it is immediately clear that this is a quality product. Frankly, I was almost expecting it to be less than exciting since I've become cynical when it comes to bottle design and marketing. In this case, unlike many other products on the market right now, Acrónimo tastes as great as the bottle looks.
This is absolutely something that I'll be using to share with friends who don't know what to expect from Sotol because all they know is tequila. By placing these two spirits side by side it offers an exciting opportunity to compare and contrast. For instance this tends to be a bit more earthy and even peppery on the nose, while tequila often has more floral notes. Here though there's also a slight fruity nose and taste as well. Not everyone will draw the same notes but that's part of the fun of trying something new.
Appearance
Crystal clear with excellent clarity, demonstrating careful filtration and proper distillation techniques.
Nose
The bouquet opens with dried chili aromatics and subtle smoke, grounded by earthy undertones that speak to the spirit's desert origins. Fresh yellow and green fruit notes add brightness and complexity to the aromatic profile.
Palate
A harmonious blend of dried chili heat and earthy sweetness creates an engaging first impression. The spirit shows remarkable balance, with herbal notes complementing rather than overwhelming the overall experience. The 42% ABV (84 proof) sits comfortably on the palate, delivering flavor without excessive heat.
Finish
Long and satisfying, with the interplay of earth, fruit, and subtle smoke continuing well after the sip. The finish remains clean and inviting, encouraging further exploration.
Value and Versatility
At $59.99 for 700ml, Acrónimo Sotol Blanco positions itself in the premium spirits category. Its versatility shines in neat pours for sipping as well as in cocktails, particularly in Mexican classics like Palomas as well as in European adaptations such as Negronis. Also, if Negroni's are your thing, you'll absolutely want to check out their gin made from Dasylirion Wheeleri, the same plant that they turn into Sotol!
