Raicilla

Origins

As one of the many categories within the agave spirit family, Raicilla must be distilled from the agave plant. Most Raicilla is produced in the southwestern portion of the Mexican state of Jalisco. In 2019, Raicilla received its Denomination of Origin. Racilla can only be produced within 16 municipalities within the state of Jalisco and one in the state of Nayarit.

What was once a simple community driven beverage, primarily enjoyed by farmers, raicilla was rendered forbidden and had a hefty tax weighed upon it following the Spanish conquest. Like many other regions who produce spirits that are deemed illegal, the production of raicilla went underground. When tax collectors came to small villages looking to collect their taxes, the locals lied! Producers of raicilla said that the spirit they were making didn’t use the piña of agave like mezcal - it absolutely was - but the government couldn’t collect taxes if it wasn’t made like mezcal; a nice little legal loophole that the locals were able to navigate. Instead, they said that it was made from the roots of the agave plant instead. This little lie gave the spirit it’s name that we call it today - raicilla - or “little root”.

What Makes it Raicilla?

How is it made?
Raicilla is made from two different varietals of agave plants and is made in a similar way to other other mezcals. The piñas are roasted in ovens like tequila, so they have a less smokier flavor to them than their spirit cousins. You’ll find that most Raicilla’s distilled in copper pots but there isn’t a strict legal definition dictating that as the method for the process.

Legal Specifications?
• Can only be produced within 16 municipalities within the state of Jalisco and one in the state of Nayarit
• Two main types of Raicilla can be made
1). Raicilla de la Costa: is made with Angustifolia Haw and Rhodacantha
2). Raicilla de la Sierra: is produced with Maximiliana and Inaequidens.
• Must be cooked in above ground ovens

Where can it be made?
Can only be produced within 16 municipalities within the state of Jalisco and one municipality in the state of Nayarit

Tasting Notes & Popular Expressions

Raicilla is mostly vegetal, floral, and higher in acidity than most other agave spirits. If you look at comparing the two varietals of raicilla - Coastal and Mountain - you’ll find that the coast varietal/terroir is much dryer than that of the mountain varietal/terroir which has a sweeter note to it.

Suggested Brands - La Venenosa, Estancia Raicilla, & Balam

Suggested Cocktails - Adding Raicilla to Mexican Hot Chocolate, Jalisco Espresso, & Looks Familiar