La Venenosa Azul is a limited edition single-distilled raicilla made with Agave tequilana weber in La Estancia, Jalisco.
About this raicilla
La Venenosa Azul was made with Agave tequilana weber in La Estancia, Jalisco. Maestro Raicillero Don Guelo had a friend who had a lot of Agave tequilana that he couldn’t handle, so he offered it to Don Guelo. All Don Guelo had to do was harvest it before it was too late. Don Guelo jumped at the opportunity and made this limited spirit as a single distilled raicilla. In this region of Jalisco, Agave maximiliana is the king and sales of this raicilla Azul were slow which is the reason La Venenosa had the good fortune to acquire this 20 year aged-in-glass raicilla.
La Venenosa Raicilla
Raicilla has been produced for over 500 years in the Mexican state of Jalisco, Mexico. Jalisco offers a plethora of agave species, second only to Oaxaca, however the Tequila made in Jalisco can only be made with the blue agave. Raicilla from Jalisco can be made with many different types of agave that are scattered across the landscape. These, along with great diversity in terroir, equipment and techniques, give Raicilla an amazing spectrum of flavor and history.
La Venenosa Raicilla range was created by Chef Esteban Morales to bring these hidden jewels to the global market. Esteban traversed the state in search of the best producers in each region. Every one of these Raicilla expressions is unique; created by different Maestro Taberneros in distinct regions, from different species of agave using diverse techniques, the individual results are astounding. Due to the relatively raw nature of Raicilla production, the ABV of each La Venenosa may vary slightly by batch.
Learn more:
- Don Luis and La Venenosa Sierra del Tigre on the Mezcal Reviews blog
Review this bottle
Login or create an account to add your tasting notes
Average José
54 reviews* Date: 01-2000
* Lot: 3
* Bottle: 155/500
* ABV: 41.8%
Light and slightly sour on the nose but still a nice amount of funk that one would expect from a Raicilla. ABV is light on this one so 1 star deducted due to that and price.
Very good flavor overall but still not as strong on the yogurt, sugar or creamy funk/custard notes that I was expecting/want from my Raicillas.
Not much of a finish to speak of but a pleasure to enjoy nevertheless. Premium but probably not something I’d purchase over and over again. B+
* Date: 01-2000
* Lot: 3
* Bottle: 155/500
* ABV: 41.8%
Light and slightly sour on the nose but still a nice amount of funk that one would expect from a Raicilla. ABV is light on this one so 1 star deducted due to that and price.
Very good flavor overall but still not as strong on the yogurt, sugar or creamy funk/custard notes that I was expecting/want from my Raicillas.
Not much of a finish to speak of but a pleasure to enjoy nevertheless. Premium but probably not something I’d purchase over
James Christian
45 reviewsOk Tyler… here goes. I decided to get one of my bottles to compare on the spot.
Lot 3, 01-2000, bottle 156 of 500
Nose: that good ole cheesy Venenosa profile… a little “wet infantry socks in the swamp” (Bit not as much as the El Tigre!)
Taste: VERY CREAMY! I love how it goes in the mouth and swells with that lactic yogurt thing. Then it calms down considerably, and I get more custard notes.
10000% agree that this gets killed with higher ABV spirits before. This is the starter. I think trying it with a very light flan would be interesting.
Ok Tyler… here goes. I decided to get one of my bottles to compare on the spot.
Lot 3, 01-2000, bottle 156 of 500
Nose: that good ole cheesy Venenosa profile… a little “wet infantry socks in the swamp” (Bit not as much as the El Tigre!)
Taste: VERY CREAMY! I love how it goes in the mouth and swells with that lactic yogurt thing. Then it calms down considerably, and I get more custard notes.
10000% agree that this gets killed with higher ABV spirits before. This is the sta
Tyler
641 reviewsKind of muted flavors at first. However I’m sipping this after some higher ABV mezcals so that might not be fair. It has some rustic raicilla cheese funk which is awesome. Greek yogurt clean lactic notes. Definitely a fan just try it earlier in the evening. The price is a bit high but it’s also one of the most unique batches of agave spirits that you’ll ever encounter. Date 01-2000, lot 3, bottle 4-500.
El-Dawg
209 reviewsLot 2 (produced in Jan 2000). 41.3% ABV
Funky smell, with some green. Spicy & peppery. Watery viscosity. I surprising can get that ‘chicken ceasar salad’ that Zack mentioned. This taste is super unique to me, and I can’t say I’m a fan of this “raicilla funkiness”. I’ve had some great raicillas that aren’t this potent (and yet lower ABV), and can’t say this will be one I’ll really be excited to try again.
Review #121
Lot 2 (produced in Jan 2000). 41.3% ABV
Funky smell, with some green. Spicy & peppery. Watery viscosity. I surprising can get that ‘chicken ceasar salad’ that Zack mentioned. This taste is super unique to me, and I can’t say I’m a fan of this “raicilla funkiness”. I’ve had some great raicillas that aren’t this potent (and yet lower ABV), and can’t say this will be one I’ll really be excited to try again.
Review #121
Rakhal
421 reviewsSweet vanilla cake frosting, artichoke, cinnamon, chocolate powder, and allspice. Tasty.
GreenspointTexas
385 reviewsMost tequilas on the market are boring cousins of most mezcals. This particular distillate, however, is like a full bodied tequila, wearing high heels and a pushup bra. Dangerously drinkable and very subtle with its characteristics. This dabbles in classic taffy/candy sweetness, then takes a meander through some light tropical fruit cup, and finishes with more fruit cup and some coriander. This is lovely.
Zack Klamn
542 reviewsNose: Picking up a little bit of cherry gummy bear. Spearmint gum. Slight whole milk creaminess. No smoke.
Palate: Call me crazy but… chicken Caesar salad – the meaty aspect of a seasoned pan fried chicken breast, veggie aspect of the romaine and parm cheese notes. Watery mouth feel (in terms of low viscosity – not flavor). Sugary sweetness of a breath mint. The smoke comes around in the finish but is a tad too salty.
This raicilla is very cool, I enjoyed it.
evanomics
3 reviewsNose: Upon opening I got a mild, sweet, almost chocolatey aroma.
Taste: Started out very mild, then increased sweet almost chocolate flavor. Thick and almost creamy. Very little burn or acidity at any time while drinking. Super smooth.
This is one of my favorite liquors I have tasted. Truly a unique and enigmatic spirit.
HighWine
76 reviewsAroma hits you from arm’s length. Fragrance of custard, aged egg nog with nutmeg, and allspice. Taste starts of sour and the creamy qualities quickly push the sourness out of the way and make the quaff full in the mouth. Boozy custard, almond nougat, and allspice fill the mouth and throat. Such a sweet and smooth treat, it’s like dessert in a copita. Fantastically intricate and one I’ll seek out again.