"I had no idea of the price when I first tasted the Desierto, and I was firmly convinced this would be twice as expensive as it is, given the stunning intrigue and complexity on offer." - Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer
If you've never heard of Sotol, you're not alone, but this ancient Mexican spirit tradition is alive and well in insiders' circles, and you'll no doubt be hearing more and more about it in the coming years. It's made from a distant cousin of the agave cactus known as Dasylirion, which is actually part of the Asparagus family. Like agave, it takes a decade or more for these wild-grown varietals to mature for distillation, and they only grow in Mexico's northern frontier, the region's various climates each favoring one Dasylirion varietal or another.
Cardenxe, named for the traditional a cappella ballads of the region, is one of the category's most dynamic projects and a reference-point for what Sotol is all about. Each expression is crafted by hand from start to finish, from cutting the piñas in the fields to axe-milling the cooked hearts. Fermentation in small pine vats and double-distillation on copper alembic stills ensures the purest product possible. The Sotol de Desierto is, as you guessed, made from the desert varietals D.Texanum, D. Cedrosanum, & D. Berlandieri by one of the undisputed masters of the craft. This blended approach is distinct among Sotol producers, and the result is equally singular.
As Andrew's review makes clear, the Desierto is a multi-faceted stunner that will give any agave spirit at twice the price a run for its money. We were so impressed that we went big and negotiated a one-time introductory price that brings it to you for under $40, the best you'll find in the market. If you've been looking for the next big thing in artisanal craft spirits, sotol is it. And as Andrew declares, "Whether you’ve never heard of Sotol or you’re Sotol curious, start here and you’ll be an instant fan."
Whether you’ve never heard of Sotol or you’re Sotol curious, start here and you’ll be an instant fan. I had no idea of the price when I first tasted the Desierto, and I was firmly convinced this would be twice as expensive as it is, given the stunning intrigue and complexity on offer. The aromatics begin with an inviting, candied sweetness, but they quickly take a 180-degree turn towards super-complex vegetal and savory character. Tomato leaf, poppy seed, sesame seed, and caraway are just a few of the surprising elements you’ll find, along with hints of high-toned, zesty citrus in the background. With time comes another shocking twist as the aromas become unmistakably meaty. If you love barbecue, this is your jam, because now you’ll be inundated with scents of charred barbecue chicken and smoked beef jerky, accented by a hint of burnt pastry crust. But wait! The palate is its own thing altogether! High-toned, agave-like flavors permeated by concentrated orange essence lead the way, but the profile is really defined by precise minerality and fragrant alpine herbs, reminiscent of botanical gin in their intensity. The most impressive feature, however, is the medium-weight texture – at once both velvety and racy, it’s pulled along by a subtle grip that carries all the way through the long finish, which is tinged by hints of fine ash and iron. Needless to say, I’m fully on board the Sotol train thanks to this singular expression.
94 points, Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer (Sep 2025)
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