Top 5 Reasons to Try Sotol Instead of Mezcal
If you are still under the impression that Mezcal is the best way to enjoy the spirit of the desert, you have another thing coming! You have not tried Sotol yet and are seriously missing out. Let’s explore 5 reasons Why Sotol May steal your heart!
Table of Contents
1. The Desert Rebel
Without a doubt, Mezcal has been stealing the spotlight for a considerable time. It has been often thought of as the cool cousin of Sotol. But Sotol is special in its own way.
What makes Sotol special is its terroir, practically a fancy French word meaning “the taste of place”. Each package bottle of Sotol tells the story of a rich culture and traditions.
2. The Production Process
Sotol has a fascinating and unique production style. While many modern spirits and drinks are incorporating new and efficient production methods, Sotol still prides itself on using traditional and time-tested methods.
From harvesting the spiky desert plants and cooking in underground pits to yeast fermentation. Its production process is highly sustainable for consumption for a mass consumer base.
3. Flavour Profile
Let’s create a feel for what Sotol tastes like. Think of a sip of liquid sunshine mixed with rain and campfire smoke. Unlike mezcal’s smoky taste, sotol offers a more subtle experience. There are even notes of green herbs, citrus, and even chocolate.
Its beauty lies in its variety. At one moment you may be transported to a spring meadow and another to a spice market.
4. Sotols Sustainability
Sotol is incredibly sustainable. The desert spoon takes 15-20 years to mature, but here’s the kicker: harvesting doesn’t kill the plant, unlike agave, which dies after harvesting. It is important to note that the desert spoon regenerates from its root system.
This sustainability aspect is highly important to environmentally conscious consumers who do not want to feel negatively about impacting the environment. Wild harvesting helps preserve the natural ecosystem of the Chihuahuan Desert.
5. It has a fascinating history
Sotol has a fascinating history. It was banned at the height of its popularity to promote mezcal and tequila. Suffice to say that the ban did not go down well with people.
Sotol’s fans defied the ban and kept on producing and drinking it. Due to public outrage, the ban was eventually lifted in 1990, and since then it has been experiencing a bit of a renaissance.
FAQs
What is sotol, and what’s the difference between it, tequila, and mezcal?
Sotol is a clear spirit made from the long leaves of the Desert Spoon plant, dasylirion, and, wildest fun fact, that plant is closer to asparagus than agave.
Tequila is all blue agave, mezcal loves lots of agave types, and sotol slides in with its own taste that’s usually smokeless like tequila yet earthier than either of the others.
Is sotol hard to find, and how much should I expect to pay?
Sotol sits in the rare-plant club, so it shows up less often than mezcal or tequila, but many good liquor shops and craft bars are trying to keep a bottle handy.
Expect to spend between forty and one hundred fifty-plus, based on the name and whether it was cupped for a few months or years.
How should I drink sotol – neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails?
There is no wrong way to sip sotol, so do what feels good to your tongue. Still, I urge first-timers to try it neat, maybe at room temp, so the full grass, smoke, and hint-of-mint show off. If neat sounds scary, drop in a little ice.
Can sotol be aged like whiskey or rum?
For sure! Sotol is sold in three main styles: Plata, or silver, that never sees a barrel; Reposado, which sits in oak for two to twelve months; and Añejo, aged for at least a full year.
Is sotol actually more sustainable than other spirits?
Absolutely, and it’s one of the coolest reasons to pour a shot. Unlike agave, which dies after its heart is cut, the desert spoon pops back up year after year from the same root, so harvesters can come back to the same plant for decades.
Final Thoughts
Based on the above 5 reasons, Sotol is the drink to try next time you are out! So, when you spot sotol on a bar list, don’t second-guess; just order it!
Be sure to pause and savor the bold character, and you’ll step into the club of lucky drinkers who’ve found this hidden gem. No doubt, it will tickle your taste buds and leave you highly satisfied.
