When you think of Mexican spirits, tequila and mezcal usually come to mind. However, there's a lesser-known gem in the world of Mexican spirits that's been gaining recognition for its rich history and distinctive flavour - Abasolo Corn Whisky. This unique and authentic spirit offers a journey through time, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions of Mexico's corn cultivation and distillation. Join us as we explore the story behind Abasolo Corn Whisky and learn about the Innovative use of 4,000 year old techniques that helps make this uniquely special whisky...
Abasolo Corn Whisky - Alma De La Tierra
The Story
Abasolo Corn Whisky takes its name from the town of Abasolo, which sits at the heart of Jilotepec in Mexico and is one of the highest distilleries in the world, at an altitude of 7,800 feet! Renowned for its fertile soil and ideal climate for corn cultivation, the history of corn in Mexico dates back thousands of years and is revered as a sacred crop that is the primary food base for all indigenous Mexican culture. Corn is deeply intertwined with the cultural and agricultural heritage of the country, making it the perfect crop choice for a Mexican whisky.
Abasolo Corn Whisky is made at Distileria y Bodega Abasolo, a distillery committed to preserving Mexican traditions while innovating in the realm of spirits. They employ local workers and contribute to the local economy, reinforcing and reinventing the ancient traditions of corn production and the contemporary craft of whisky making. This whisky is a testament to their dedication to quality and authenticity, working tirelessly to capture 'the soul of the land.'
The Production Process
Abasolo Corn Whisky's production process is a testament to the respect it pays to traditional methods:
Corn Selection: The heart of Abasolo Whisky is Cacahuazintle (kaka-wha-sint-lay) corn, a native Mexican variety with large, bulky kernels. This corn is meticulously sourced from local farmers who have been cultivating it for generations due to its taste rather than its commercial productivity.
Nixtamalization: A 4,000 year old cooking technique, transforms the corn in to masa through a process called nixtamalization, which involves cooking and steeping the kernels in an alkaline solution. This step is crucial in unlocking the corn's flavours and sugars.
Malting & Mashing: Germination occurs in the dark until the first leaf and root are formed, before being milled and added to the mash. A small amount of malted corn is added to the corn flour and slowly stirred for several hours to create the wort.
Fermentation: The wort and specially selected yeasts are then allowed to ferment for over 120-hours!
Distillation: The wort is then double distilled in copper pot stills to create a high-proof distillate, where the essence of the corn truly shines through.
Ageing: The corn distillate is matured in new toasted and used oak casks that are stored in an open warehouse with a light roof and no walls, to allow elemental maturation to take effect and provide a unique ageing profile to the whisky.
Tasting Notes
Abasolo Corn Whisky offers a truly distinctive tasting experience with the nixtamalization process helping to create notes of roasted corn, with sweet tones of honey and vanilla, along with spicer notes of black tea and leather, and a smooth and velvety finish that lingers.
Enjoyment
This Mexican Corn Whisky is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in various ways;
Neat - always start here to fully appreciate its complex flavours.
Long - why not try an Abasolo Press, mixing it with equal measures of Ginger Beer and Soda.
Cocktail - Use it as the base for classic cocktails like a Manhattan, or put a latin twist on an Old Fashioned; using Nixta Corn Liqueur and bitters of choice over ice.
Abasolo Corn Whisky is more than just a drink; it's a celebration of Mexican culture, tradition, and craftsmanship. Its journey from ancient corn varieties, cooking techniques passed down through generations, to the bottle is a testament to the enduring legacy of corn in Mexico. The next time you're looking to explore the world of spirits, consider venturing beyond the familiar and savouring the unique taste of Abasolo Corn Whisky. It's a sensory journey through the heart and soul of Mexico, one sip at a time... Disfrutar!