Acrónimo combines gin and sotol

After its Sotol Blanco launch this year, Mexican brand Acrónimo has unveiled the 'world's first' gin and sotol blend.

Based in Chihuahua, Mexico, Acrónimo Spirits, led by founder Alessandra Camino Creel and her brother Jose Luis, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Acrónimo Gin. Camino Creel said: “Earlier this year, we introduced Acrónimo Sotol Blanco and are excited to follow in quick succession with the rollout of the world’s first gin finished with sotol. “We want sotol to do for Chihuahua what mezcal did for Oaxaca and think a key driver for that will be innovation. While it could be viewed as a bit audacious to finish a fine gin with sotol, we see it as an intriguing way to expand sotol’s global reach.” As with Acrónimo Sotol Blanco, the 'new world style' ultra-premium gin is made in cooperation with Casa Ruelas Distillery, a fifth-generation sotol producer. In a unique twist, Acrónimo Gin is combined with 17% Sotol Blanco as a nod to its Chihuahuan heritage. Crafted specifically to blend with a gin base, the sotol blanco is made from wild-grown and harvested Dasylirion wheeleri, a spiky flowering succulent related to agave in the asparagus family. The gin is made with juniper berries from the rugged Sierra Tarahumara mountainous region near Chihuahua and locally sourced botanicals, including cardamom, anise, white pepper, black pepper, red pepper, lavender, lemon, lime and grapefruit peel. Each botanical was selected to complement the earthy sweetness and herbal overtones of the sotol. To produce Acrónimo Gin, neutral grain spirit is infused with the botanicals through maceration, steeping for 14 days. The infused liquid is then distilled in a traditional copper sotol pot still handcrafted by a Chihuahuan artist. Offered at 42% ABV, the gin offers notes of vibrant citrus, warm spice of cardamom, followed by a subtle smokiness on the palate. Designed to appeal to 'youthful and diverse' consumers, Acrónimo's cardamom-forward gin pairs well with a simple tonic or in cocktails like Paloma Querida, which is made with grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, agave syrup and a citrus garnish. The gin can also be used to give a twist to the Espresso Martini or any cocktail calling for tropical fruits, particularly banana or melon. With an RRP of US$54.99 for a 700ml bottle, Acrónimo Gin is available at select retailers in Florida and California, distributed by Park Street, and on the brand's website.