Alcoholic Mexican tepache launches in US
The first commercially-produced alcoholic tepache, a traditional Mexican beverage made from fermented fruit, has been introduced in the States.
Tepache Sazón is produced in San Pancho, Nayarit in Mexico, and made from pineapples, piloncillo (raw cane sugar) and canela (cinammon). The drink has no ‘official recipe’, but is made from varying fermented tropical fruit depending on the region in Mexico. “San Pancho, it's very small, around 2,000 people,” says Sebastian Medina, head of operations and senior tepachero at Tepache Sazón. “We’re in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by flora and fauna and traditional Mexican culture. It was important for us to make a delicious product, but also a natural one at every step that really pays homage to the traditions and flavours of this diverse and special place.” Tepache boasts a centuries-long history in its native country of Mexico, which dates back to the Aztec era, a period of time spanning the years 1300 to 1521. Produced by importer Back Bar Project, the pineapples used for Tepache Sazón are sourced from fields located 50 kilometers away from the ‘tepacheria’ (production facility), which is the only site of its kind in the region. Following the fermentation of the super-sweet pineapple, this is combined with raw brown sugar, which is milled and boiled down into a caramel-like liquid. Canela is then added, and mixed to result in a liquid with a 7% ABV. Tepache Sazón is a light, amber liquid, and available in 375ml bottles. It is recommended served ice-cold from the bottle, or in a ‘beer-and-a-shot’ style with a quality Mexican spirit such as Tequila, mezcal or raicilla. The bottling presents fruit and spice notes, with a pineapple flavour. “Everyone in Mexico knows tepache, and the different local expressions always come with a sense of community and pride,” says Rio Chenery, managing director and head tepachero. “It’s really the ‘newest’ old Mexican beverage, and we’re really excited to showcase these traditions and flavours to a new generation of American consumers.” Retailing for RRP US$23.99, the beverage is available in a four-pack format at high-end retailers, or served at high-end bars and restaurants across the US.
