La Venenosa Tutsi is an agave spirit from the Huichol people in northwest Jalisco. It disappeared for nearly 25 years and is now made by a single producer.
About this raicilla
La Venenosa Raicilla Etnica Tutsi Maguey Mai is made with maguey Mai, which is an unclassified, mostly unknown species of agave that is endemic to the region of northwest Jalisco. Etnica is an extension of the La Venenosa line of raicillas that serves as a platform to bring agave spirits from indigenous ethnic groups to the market. This agave spirit is from the Huichol people in northwest Jalisco. While we call this spirit a Raicilla for ease of use on this site, Tutsi is the name that is used to describe it locally. Tutsi was lost for about 25 years and there is currently only one practicing producer. This Tutsi is single distilled in a Huichol style still.
See what our friends at Three Minute Tasting had to say about this one: S1:E24 La Venenosa Tutsi Review
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
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mt_rainyer
43 reviewsLot 1
Like a refreshing wave of aloe mixed with cheese, pine, olives, and fishead soup. Perfumed like a tagine mixed with tree sap. The low abv helps keep the flavors in check where they don’t overwhelm, but instead gently passes over the tongue creating a wild tasting experience. Try to go through it on the quicker side (or use nitrogen to keep oxygen from entering) – it is one of the very few bottles of agave spirit that I found the bottle degrading in flavor rather than opening up over time.
If you are deciding between this and the masparillo – the masparillo is more on the earthier side this is on the vegetal side. To me both very good, but I can see certain flavor palettes favoring one depending.
Lot 1
Like a refreshing wave of aloe mixed with cheese, pine, olives, and fishead soup. Perfumed like a tagine mixed with tree sap. The low abv helps keep the flavors in check where they don’t overwhelm, but instead gently passes over the tongue creating a wild tasting experience. Try to go through it on the quicker side (or use nitrogen to keep oxygen from entering) – it is one of the very few bottles of agave spirit that I found the bottle degrading in flavor rather than opening up
Americana Kyle
60 reviewsUnlike anything I’ve tried, highly recommend you try it if you can find it. Earthy nose, fruity palate, thin mouthful and lingering aftertaste of menthol. Very good stuff!
El_Roberto
23 reviewsPine, pepper and paint thinner on the nose. Pine and plenty of smoke on the palate. An interesting one
tremaine
1 reviewLoved the unique pine notes on this one. Very different but definitely worth steep price.
GreenspointTexas
385 reviewsDear god! Craziest tasting agave spirit ive ever had. No alcohol burn at all. Nose is of wet dog and pepto bismol. Paint? Glue? Paint thinner? New car? On the taste. Lotta stuff going on here. Cant even put a finger on anything.
Wouldnt buy a bottle, but fun to try once…. and maybe only once. If deciding between this and the Masparillo, go with the latter
Jongers
14 reviewsOne word “pine”. That’s really what dominates the flavor of this one. Interesting for sure but I wouldn’t say it’s worth the price.
Tyler
641 reviewsWhoa. Wild stuff. Not strong. Watery with some really interesting flavors. The first flavors I thought of was “pine toothpaste” but not in a bad way. There’s a festive allspice note and clove smoke. Makes me think of a Vesper cocktail too. There are some Lillet and olive brine notes. I wasn’t a fan of the Masparillo but really like this one. Don’t miss it if you see it. Lot 1 from 2016, 41.1%.
Jonny
705 reviewsLot 1. Bottle 10/100 from 2016. Smells like jalapeños, black pepper, pine, cheddar, and charro beans. The palate is weird… in a really good way. Tastes of grilled fish, diesel exhaust, pine surface cleaner, and some element of soy. Very Smokey! Lots of Pine! The mouthfeel is thin but pleasant. This stuff is crazy and weird in the best way possible. Really digging this.