Estancia is one of a handful of brands leading the way in the teachings of Raicilla, one of the many branches from Mezcal. When talking Mezcal, it encompasses such subcategories as Tequila, Sotol and Bacanora. Raicilla is also within these, seen as the softer, less smoky variation, closer to the Mezcal style, than that of Sotol which offers more grassy, smoky and earthy flavours.
It’s with this that Raicilla stands out as consumers branch out in their agave experiences, and Estancia is their to offer their take.
In 2014, Rio Chenery left New York City for the highlands of Jalisco in Mexico, and after reuniting with longtime friend Jonas Brewer, they set to building their own distillery. Settled within the town of La Estancia, they recruited Master Distiller Juan Ramosand the journey began.
To create Estancia, the distillation process begins by roasting their agave piñas (agave maximiliana ripened for 10 to 15 years) for 2 days within an adobe oven, resulting in the activation of the natural sugars within. The agave piñas are then crushed before being placed in open oak barrels to naturally ferment using wild yeast. Once ready, the resulting liquid (wort) is double distilled within copper alembic stills.
But how does it fare? Well below, I give to you my tasting notes –
Estancia – 40%
Fresh agave notes upon the nose, with a thin scent of earth and citrus coming through. Slightly sweetened earth notes on the palate, with the agave profile creeping in, followed by juicy pineapple and plum that lingers to the finish.
A great spirit to enjoy on its own, nut equally as good within this adapted cocktail by Wine Mag –
The Prietoni
Glass –
Coupette
Ingredients –
50 ml Estancia Raicilla
30 ml Campari
30 ml Sweet vermouth
Strip of orange peel, for garnish
Method –
In a mixing glass, combine all liquid ingredients with ice. Stir well, and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with orange peel.
There’s a new category hitting the shores of the UK, and it’s versatile, which means that it’s worthy of showing off to your friends and family, especially when the bottles looks pretty cool within your drink cabinet!
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