Draft:Los Magos

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Los Magos
FounderEduardo Almanza and Juan Pablo Carvajal
ProductsSotol
BrandsLos Magos Sotol
Websitehttps://losmagossotol.com/

Los Magos[edit]

Bottles of Los Magos

Los Magos[1] is a company that produces a type of distilled spirit made from the Desert Spoon plant, also known as the sotol plant. It is a traditional Mexican spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries in the northern regions of Mexico, particularly in the state of Chihuahua.

The production process[2] for Los Magos sotol is similar to other agave-based spirits such as tequila and mezcal, but sotol is made from a sotol plant.

Founders[edit]

Los Magos[3] was founded by Eduardo Almanza[4], Juan Pablo Carvajal [4], Ryan Stock, and Brian Hart

Distillation Process[edit]

Sotol Plant

Sotol is a distilled spirit that is made from the Desert Spoon plant, also known as the sotol plant. It has a long history in Mexico, particularly in the northern regions of the country.

The sotol plant grows in the desert regions of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States and is characterized by its long, spiky leaves. The hearts of the sotol plant, known as the piñas, are roasted and then fermented and distilled to produce the spirit.

Los Magos is produced by Chihuahua Artesenaly[6], which is located in the state of Chihuahua. The company uses traditional methods[6] to produce their sotol, including harvesting the sotol plant by hand, roasting the piñas in an underground pit oven, and fermenting and distilling the resulting liquid in copper stills. The production process[7] takes around three days to complete.

Taste[edit]

The flavor profile[8] of Los Magos is earthy and vegetal, with notes of citrus and sweetness.

Types & Expressions[edit]

Los Magos Sotol Blanco[edit]

Los Magos Sotol Blanco is smoked, fermented, triple distilled and rested before bottling to achieve balance and consistency of flavor. Made from 100% Sotol, Los Magos Sotol Blanco contains no additives and is made from 100% sotol sourced ethically and sustainably from the Chihuahuan desert. There are notes of citrus, black pepper, light smoke, and eucalyptus on the nose, it has flavors of honey, savory spice, and an herbaceous finish.[11]

Los Magos Sotol – 6 Year Reserva[edit]

The small batch spirit has flavors of vanilla, clove, and Christmas Spice. In total, there were 1,000 liters made. This expression, like the entire Los Magos Spirits line, is made from 100% Sotol.

Los Magos Sotol – WhistlePig Edition #1[edit]

In 2022, Los Magos Sotol collaborated with WhistlePig Rye Whiskey to create Los Magos Sotol Blanco aged in WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Barrels. In this expression, Los Magos Sotol Blanco is infused with the spice remaining of the 10 year Rye Whiskey aged in Vermont Oak barrels for over 12 months. [11]

Awards, Recognitions, Press[edit]

Los Magos has received several awards and accolades, including a Gold Status[1] at the 2021 San Diego Wine & Spirits Challenge[2], and two silver medals[3] in the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition[4]. It is also a member of the Mexican Appellation of Origin[5] for sotol, which recognizes and protects the traditional production methods and cultural heritage of the spirit. [6]

Awards & Recognitions[edit]

Los Magos Sotol Blanco[edit]

2021[edit]

San Diego Wine & Spirits Challenge: Gold Status[1]

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Silver[7]

2022[edit]

ADI International Spirits Competition Awards: Best of Class – Bottled & Blended Spirits[8]

Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards: Best Sotol[9]

Tag Global Spirits Awards: Double Gold[10]

Ultimate Spirits Challenge: Score 92[11]

Los Magos Sotol – 6 Year Reserva[edit]

2021

San Francisco World Spirits Competitionn: Silver[7]

Press[edit]

Media Outlet Article
AOL Elegant Tequila Cocktails That Will Elevate Your Cinco De Mayo[12]
Cool Material If You Like Tequila and Mezcal, Then It’s Time You Get To Know Sotol[13]
Difford's Guide Los Magos Sotol Blanco[14]
Distiller Los Magos Sotol Blanco[15]
Esquire Get to Know Sotol, the Dangerously Delicious Cousin of Tequila and Mezcal[16]
Forbes This Mexican Spirit Is Sweeping America’s Whiskey Scene[17]
Forbes Valentine's Day Gift Guide: The Best Tequilas, Mezcals and other Mexican Spirits[18]
Forbes On Cinco De Mayo Go Beyond Tequila With Another Magical Mexican Spirit
Men's Journal Los Magos Sotol and WhistlePig Whiskey Team Up to Launch Smoky New Spirit
Modern Farmer Move Over, Mezcal. A Sustainable Tequila Alternative Is Taking Over.[19]
Parade Summer Sips! You'll Never Go Back to Basic Martinis After This Mexican-Style Espresso Martini
People en Español 13 Cocktails Perfect for Celebrating All of Life's Little Wins[20]
Robb Report 7 Outstanding New Rye Whiskeys You Should Be Drinking This Fall[21]
Thrillist What Makes Sotol a Highly Underrated Mexican Spirit[22]
Town & Country Magazine 37 Cocktails to Serve at Your Cinco de Mayo Celebration[23]
Yahoo! Buzzzz-o-Meter: Anne Hathaway’s Go-To Hat Brand, Emilia Clarke’s Favorite Digital Flowers and More of What Stars Are Buzzing About This Week[24]
Yahoo! Los Magos Sotol and WhistlePig Whiskey Team Up to Launch Smoky New Spirit[7]

Los Magos x WhistlePig Collaboration[edit]

In 2023, Los Magos Sotol and WhistlePig Whiskey launched a smoky new spirit.[7]

The combination results in a bright and deep spirit, the limited-edition Los Magos Sotol x WhistlePig collab is aged for over 12 months in WhistlePig rye oak barrels.[7]

The aging period leads to a complex flavor profile, which features herbal and floral notes alongside hints of smoke, wood, and eucalyptus that are surrounded by the spice of rye with a touch of sweetness. It's recommended to be sipped neat or on the rocks.

WhistlePig's partnership with Los Magos enabled both brands to explore new territory within experimental trials—ultimately creating a unique and complex sipping experience across rye and sotol[7]

History of Sotol[edit]

The production of sotol can be traced back[25] hundreds of years, to the indigenous peoples of the Chihuahuan Desert. The people who lived in this region, including the Tarahumara, Tepehuan, and Apache tribes, used the sotol plant for a variety of purposes, including food, medicine, and fiber.

Over time, these indigenous groups developed a method for fermenting and distilling the hearts of the sotol plant to create a potent alcoholic beverage. This early form of sotol was likely similar to other agave-based spirits, such as tequila and mezcal.

As European settlers began to explore and colonize the region in the 16th and 17th centuries, they brought with them new distillation techniques and equipment. This led to the development of more sophisticated sotol production methods, and the spirit began to gain popularity among the settlers.

In the early 20th century, the Mexican government passed laws regulating the production of distilled spirits, including sotol. These laws required producers to obtain licenses and adhere to specific production methods. Despite these regulations, however, sotol production remained primarily a local industry, with most producers operating on a small scale and selling their product within their own communities.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in sotol as a high-quality artisanal spirit, and many new producers have entered the market. Sotol is now recognized as an important part of Mexican cultural heritage, and it is protected by the Mexican Appellation of Origin, which ensures that sotol produced outside of the designated region cannot be marketed as "sotol".

Today, sotol is enjoyed[26] by many people in Mexico and around the world for its unique flavor and cultural significance. It is produced using traditional methods[15] that have been passed down through generations, and it continues to be an important part of the cultural heritage of northern Mexico.[25]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Sotol, Los Magos (2021-03-17). "Los Magos Goes for the Gold". Los Magos Sotol. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  2. ^ "San Diego Wine & Spirits Challenge". www.sandiegowinechallenge.com. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  3. ^ https://www.sfspiritscomp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-sfwsc-website-results-updated.pdf
  4. ^ "San Francisco World Spirits Competition". San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  5. ^ "Los Magos Sotol Launches in the U.S., Bringing New Life to Indigenous Mexican Spirit". BevNET.com. 2021-03-31. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  6. ^ "Appellation of Origin". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  7. ^ a b c d e f "Los Magos Sotol and WhistlePig Whiskey Team Up to Launch Smoky New Spirit". Yahoo Life. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  8. ^ "ADI 2022 International Spirits Competition Awards". American Distilling Institute. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  9. ^ "Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards". www.vegasspiritawards.com. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  10. ^ "2022 Results". TAG Global Spirits Awards. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  11. ^ "2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Results | Spirit Product Awards". www.ultimate-beverage.com. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  12. ^ Staff, A. O. L. "Elegant Tequila Cocktails That Will Elevate Your Cinco De Mayo". www.aol.com. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  13. ^ "Los Magos Sotol Founder Talks Introducing the Spirit to Americans". coolmaterial.com. 2023-03-31. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  14. ^ "Los Magos Sotol Blanco". www.diffordsguide.com. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  15. ^ a b "Los Magos Blanco Sotol". Distiller - The Liquor Expert. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  16. ^ "Get to Know Sotol, the Dangerously Delicious Cousin of Tequila and Mezcal". Esquire. 2017-11-01. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  17. ^ Dingwall, Kate. "This Mexican Spirit Is Sweeping America's Whiskey Scene". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  18. ^ Hurt, Jeanette. "Valentine's Day Gift Guide: The Best Tequilas, Mezcals And Other Mexican Spirits". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  19. ^ Stephens, Hollie (2023-01-09). "Move Over, Mezcal. A Sustainable Tequila Alternative Is Taking Over". Modern Farmer. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  20. ^ Peña-Calderon, Mirtle (March 16, 2023). "13 Cocktails Perfect for Celebrating All of Life's Little Wins". People en Español (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  21. ^ Flicker, Jonah (2021-10-19). "7 Outstanding New Rye Whiskeys You Should Be Drinking This Fall". Robb Report. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  22. ^ "What Makes Sotol a Highly Underrated Mexican Spirit". Thrillist. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  23. ^ "Elegant Tequila Cocktails That Will Elevate Your Cinco De Mayo". Town & Country. 2023-04-27. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  24. ^ "Buzzzz-o-Meter: Anne Hathaway's Go-To Hat Brand, Emilia Clarke's Favorite Digital Flowers and More of What Stars Are Buzzing About This Week". Yahoo Entertainment. 16 February 2023. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  25. ^ a b Locki, Mark (2019-04-15). "Reviving the story of sotol: 300-year-old spirit reintroduced to the world". Mexico News Daily. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
  26. ^ Spirited (2021-05-05). "Inside Sotol: Los Magos Brings The Hidden Desert Gem To The Masses". Spirited. Retrieved 2023-05-12.