A fascinating spirit here, from the Northern Mexican state of Chihuahua (which gives its name to the small dog breed, though the state itself is larger than the UK).

This is a bottling of stool, often seen as the cousin of the more well-known Tequila and Mezcal. Rather than using agave, this spirit is distilled from Dasylirion Wheeleri, a desert evergreen shrub, known as “desert spoon” or “spoon flower”.

A labour intensive spirit to produce, the plant takes about 15 years to mature (about twice as long as agave), and each plant produces about one bottle. “Desert spoon” is usually harvested from the wild. It is made in a very similar manner to mezcal.

The spirit is rarely exported, so this Plata bottling is a great chance to get to know another wonderful Mexican liquor. Drinkers can expect a slight smokiness, with succulent grassy notes, and some bright, spicy black pepper.

Beautifully presented in a decanter style bottling with cork closure, this is an exciting spirit in every respect. Taste it neat, then try it in a Margarita.

• Distillery / brand
  Hacienda de Chihuahua
• Country
  Mexico
• SKU
  030428