Mexico/South America Flashcards
(16 cards)
1
Q
How many species of corn are grown in Mexico?
A
- 64 heirloom varieties
- Preservation of corn varieties is a serious concern for producers
- Heritage varieties have distinctive flavors - sweet vanilla, butterscotch, popcorn, to slightly cheesy, nutty or musty
- Protecting corn varietals is an exercise in terroir
2
Q
What is Abasolo?
A
- First Mexican whisky to appear on the wider international market
- Created by Dr Ivan Saldana (Mezcal expert) in 2017
- Uses Cachuazintle variety of corn grown at 2,377 meters in elevation
- A percentage of the corn is malted to help with conversion
- Corn roasted, mashed and fermented
- Double distilled in pot stills
- Filled in ex Bourbon casks
3
Q
What is Vinos y Licores Sabrosos?
A
- Located in Querteraro
- Founded by Xaime Niembro
- Some single varietal, some blended corn
- Variety of casks - including Mezcal
- Very much like work done by Del Maguey Mezcals
4
Q
What is Cuarto Volcanes?
A
- Located in Tlaxcala
- At foot of extinct volcano
- Whiskeys are made from 80% locally sourced black, blue and Sangre Cristino corn
- Distillation in hybrid stills and new make is filtered through coconut charcoal
5
Q
What is Sierra Norte?
A
- Located in Oaxaca
- State of Oaxaca is where corn was first domesticated 6,000 years ago
- Six different corn selections from 25 growers across 8 regions
- Each made from 85% of one type of corn + 15% malted barley
- Aged in most French oak
6
Q
What is Pierde Almas?
A
- Located in Oaxaca
- Founded by Jonathan Barbieri and his wife Yira Vallejo
- Heirloom varieties of corn as reaction to GMO plantings
- Bought by Diageo Mexico in 2018
7
Q
What is Maiz Nation?
A
- Located in Oaxaca
- Also owned by Jonathan Barbieri
- 6% malted barley added and ferments kicked off with a “sourdough” starter
- Double pot distillation - maturation in new oak
8
Q
What is Gran Maizal?
A
- Located in Yucatan
- Founded in 2000
- Uses a 4,000 year old Nal T’eel landrace (corn roaster back to Mayans)
9
Q
What is Brazil’s Union distillery?
A
- Founded in 1972 - got help from Morrison Bowmore
10
Q
What is Lamas?
A
- Opened in tropical Matozinos in 2019
- Double pot distilled single malt
- Whisky range is five variants including two peated
11
Q
What is Don Michael in Peru?
A
- Founded in 2015 to make whisky with local corn
- Black Variety Maiz Negro
- Mash bill 60% corn, 30% malted wheat, 10% malted barley
- Exported to seven countries
12
Q
What is La Alazena in Argentina?
A
- Uses own barley and Patagonian peat
13
Q
What is Madoc distillery in Argentina?
A
- Next to Manush brewery
- Demian - uses pressure cooker still
14
Q
What is Larnaudie in Uruguay?
A
- Uruguay’s first single malt
15
Q
What is Tepaluma in Chile?
A
- Making gin while they raise money for whisky production
16
Q
What is Last Hope in Chile?
A
- Thriving craft brewing scene lead them to whisky
