What is Raicilla?
Raicilla is a Mexican spirit produced in the state of Jalisco, in the Sierra de Occidente region, near Puerto Vallarta. It is similar to tequila and mezcal, but has its own identity and distinctive characteristics.
Raicilla is made from the wild agave plant Agave maximiliana, which grows in the Sierra de Occidente region. The plant is cooked in stone ovens and then crushed to extract the agave juice. This juice is fermented in wooden vats for several days and then distilled in traditional copper stills.
Raicilla is a spirit that has gained popularity in recent years, both in Mexico and in other countries. It is considered a handcrafted, high-quality spirit, and its production is regulated by the Consejo Regulador de la Raicilla, which establishes quality and labelling standards.
Distillation Process
The distillation process of raicilla may differ from that of tequila or mezcal, as smaller stills are used and the distillation is usually slower. This results in a smoother and more delicate spirit, with herbal and fruity flavour notes.
Types of Raicilla
There are different types of raicilla, which vary depending on the ageing time and other factors. Common types include white raicilla, which has not been aged, and rested or aged raicilla, which has been matured in wooden barrels for several months or years.