While Mexico is beloved as the home of tequila, the country boasts a unique spate of spirits that are gaining traction with travelers. At Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences, the Museo del Tequila is introducing guests to lesser-known alternatives like sotol and bacanora.
Sotol is sourced from the Dasylirion wheeleri shrub, also known as desert spoon. This succulent in the asparagus family is most commonly found in Mexico’s Chihuahua, Durango and Coahuila states, though it 's also grown in the U.S. Southwest. Its taste is funkier and earthier than tequila. At the Museo del Tequila, sotol is served in a shot or in a jarrito de barro, a traditional Mexican clay cup.
The guest-favorite is Sotol Veneno, which is cured with rattlesnake venom and aged for up to three months in neutral barrels.
Back in the agave family, Bacanora is a Sonora-made sip harvested from a mountain variety of agave that is carefully harvested after six years. The spirit is roasted among volcanic rock and mesquite, lending sweet and smoky notes of caramel, toasted agave and damp earth. Guests can taste 42° Bacanora Joven onsite in a cold shot, or in a cocktail.
“Part of our dedication to authenticity is showcasing the lesser-known aspects of our culture and cuisine, and we’re always eager to introduce guests to exciting new flavors and experiences,” said Jose Rojas Torres, director of food & beverage at Mexico Grand Hotels.
With a long family history and deep-rooted tradition in Mexico, Mexico Grand Hotels is home to five-star, four diamond resorts complete with breathtaking locations and panoramic views. Offering guests a “home away from home” ambiance, the Mexico Grand Hotels collection provides truly unforgettable experiences with luxury at every turn
.The hotel group owns and operates a wide- variety of hotels, resorts, condos, restaurants, exclusive spas and retail shops throughout the beautiful destination of Mexico. Located in Cabo San Lucas is Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences, which has been a recipient of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for the past two years, as well as the Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa, and a collection of restaurants and retail shops at the Marina Golden Zone, located in downtown Los Cabos.
Puerto Vallarta is home to the Marina Las Palmas, full ownership condos and world famous restaurant, Señor Frogs, all operated and managed by Mexico Grand Hotels. For more information and reservations, visit www.mexicograndhotels.com
By Roberto Lopez