Raicilla

Raicilla is a distilled spirit, originating in the south western portion of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and pre-dates the arrival of Hispanic people in the country.^[1] It is similar to Tequila and Mezcal as it is also a product of the agave plant.^[2]

Traditionally raicilla has been created and sold as a "moonshine" product without government sanction or approval.^[3] Recently a company has begun to market a variety of legal brands of raicilla.

Process

It is distilled in crude, primitive stills from a fermented mash made from the roots of the maguey plant. The mash is slow cooked, and the steam condensed on a copper cone cooled, traditionally, by spring water.^[4] To make a liter of Raicilla takes 10 kg of agave angustifolia commonly known as "Chico Aguiar" or "Yellow", whose piñas weigh almost as much as 100 kg.^[5] If not watered down it is usually more than 100 proof.^[6]

References