Sotol from Hacienda de Chihuahua has a long-standing tradition. The distillery in Northern Mexico has been producing the earthy spirit for more than 140 years.
Generally, Sotol is comparable to Tequila and Mezcal. However, there are some differences because Sotol is made from a slightly different type of plant and is less regulated.
In the past years, a number of producers from Mexiko - and more recently, with the Desert Door Distillery, also from the US - entered the international market.
But so far, Hacienda de Chihuahua still is untouched regarding the number of expressions they have on offer. So let's see what they've got.
History of Hacienda de Chihuahua
Hacienda de Chihuahua actually is called Hacienda Tapalaopa, and its Manor House was established in 1881. Putting Chihuahua on the label hints at its location and Sotol being the state spirit of Chihuahua.
The Hacienda began producing Sotol from naturally growing Sotol plants in the mountains of Chihuahua primarily for the landowners and guests of the Manor. But in the course of the 20th century, that started to change, and Hacienda de Chihuahua started selling its Sotol.
The current master distiller is José Daumas, who graduated in France and had previously worked for Martell and Moët Chandon, among others.
He combines the long tradition and experience in Sotol-making of Hacienda de Chihuahua with the knowledge and craftsmanship behind the renowned French luxury brands.
By the way, the Hacienda de Chihuahua website is sotol.com. That manifests the role they play in the world of Sotol, yet, some get confused by them not using their name.
The company behind it is Vinomex. And that is not a big player who bought Hacienda de Chihuahua. It's been the business name behind the spirit all along since 1881.
Sotol from Hacienda de Chihuahua with reviews
Hacienda de Chihuahua offers a selection of nine different Sotols. Or actually, it's seven Sotols and two liqueurs.
They follow a long tradition and a lot of expertise goes into the production process. Thus, for all their expressions, they harvest only naturally grown, wild sotol plants to preserve the organic character of the spirit.
Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol Plata
Style: Joven
ABV: 38%
Taste: minty, vegetal, slightly sweet
Price: approx. USD32/750ml
Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol Plata is their original, basic release. It's an unaged, clear, and smooth spirit reminiscent of a Silver Tequila.
At only 72 proof, it is relatively mild. The plants used for Sotol Plata need to grow for about 12 -15 years.
What we think: The Plata expression is quite thin and not exactly what one would call aromatic. Due to the low ABV, it's a little too watery, too. It's alright for mixing drinks, though.
Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol Rústico
Style: Joven
ABV: 45%
Taste: herbal, slightly earthy, and grassy
Price: approx. USD35/750ml
Sotol Rústico as well is an unaged spirit. It gets bottled right after distillation in Hacienda de Chihuahua's double-column copper stills.
This expression is not overly complex but more aromatic and flavorful than Sotol Plata.
What we think: Sotol Rústico has more flavor, but the ABV of 45% comes with a relatively harsh alcoholic bite. It's not intended for sipping but works well in cocktails.
Sotol Platinum
Style: Joven
ABV: 38%
Taste: spicy, herbal, slightly sweet
Price: approx. 40USD/750ml
Sotol Platinum is a triple distilled version of Sotol Plata. The plants used to make this expression also mature for a minimum of 15 years.
With its low ABV of below 40%, it is advertised with a smooth and fresh nose and taste.
What we think: The Platinum is pretty similar to the Plata expression. It falls a little flat but works when mixed into cocktails. -For instance, as a substitute for Tequila in a Margarita or a Paloma. For most, it might not be worth the extra $$.
Hacienda de Chihuahua Reposado
Style: Reposado
ABV: 40%
Taste: oak, herbal, earthy, vanilla
Price: approx. USD40/750ml
The Reposado from Hacienda de Chihuahua ages for 12 months in new French oak barrels and achieves a pale golden color before being bottled.
It's smooth but more complex than the clear, unaged versions, with notes of pepper, vanilla, oak, and even some floral hints.
What we think: Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol Reposado is more complex than the Joven versions and has a more pleasant flavor profile. But still, we would not want to drink it neat.
Sotol Añejo
Style: Añejo
ABV: 38%
Taste: oak, herbal, earthy, vanilla, spices
Price: approx. USD45/750ml
After triple distillation, the Sotol Añejo matures for 24 months in numbered French oak barrels with a beautiful golden color. It offers a high degree of purity and richness and carries more pronounced notes of vanilla, oak, and earthy, herbal aromas.
The complex flavor profile combined with the low ABV makes the Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol Añejo a decent Sotol for sipping.
What we think: The Añejo is a different thing. This beautiful, full-bodied high-quality Sotol is definitely suitable for sipping.
Hacienda de Chihuahua Oro Puro
Style: Añejo
ABV: 38%
Taste: oak, herbal, earthy, vanilla, spices
Price: approx. USD65
The Sotol Oro Puro from Hacienda de Chihuahua basically is their Añejo upgraded with gold flakes.
The addition of gold flakes is supposed to enhance the texture and smoothness of the Sotol. This expression seems quite hard to get outside of Mexico.
What we think: As for the Oro Puro, we don't mind the gold flakes. But if you like the idea and can get a hand on it, it might be a nice extra for some - perhaps for gifting.
Hacienda de Chihuahua H5
Style: Extra Añejo
ABV: 38%
Taste: fruit, caramel, oak, vanilla
Price: approx. USD125/750ml
Sotol H5 is an Extra Añejo version that matures for at least five years in French white oak barrels, and Hacienda de Chihuahua takes great pride in this high-quality product.
The distillate is fermented with champagne yeast before aging. All that creates a rich, complex, and sophisticated aroma with hints of fruity, caramel, and chocolate joining the Sotol-typical earthy, herbal flavors.
What we think: The H5 takes Sotol to the next level. It comes with the expected high price tag, though. So it's not recommendable for beginners. But if you like Sotol and look for something special, that's the one for you.
Crema de Sotol Nuez
ABV: 17%
Taste: nuts
Price: approx. 28USD/750ml
Crema de Sotol Nuez is a smooth and rich, only slightly boozy liqueur with a creamy texture. The overall concept is similar to that of an Irish creme with flavors of nuts and Sotol shining through.
Crema de Sotol Chocolate
ABV: 17%
Taste: chocolate
Price: approx. 28USD/750ml
Crema de Sotol Chocolate follows the same principle as Crema de Sotol Nuez. The combination of Sotol and chocolate go well together and make for a tasty sip.