Spirits
Mezcal
Mezcal is technically any agave -based liquor. Yes, all Tequila is Mezcal but let’s make it more confusing: Mexican spirits are all about the region!
Mezcal is produced in nine different areas of Mexico: Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán, Puebla and Oaxaca. The agave is cooked in pits lined with wood and charcoal before being distilled so as to produce a smoky, earthen product.
Tequila is produced in five areas of Mexico: Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Tamaulipas and Jalisco, which is where the actual town of Tequila is located. The agave is steamed before being distilled so as to produce a clean product that is not smoky.
Raicilla is made from agave in the Jalisco area. It can be produced with or without smoky flavours but is generally slightly smoky. It is distilled 1-2 times whereas Mezcal must be distilled more than once. Raicilla is much more floral, fruity and herbal than Mezcal.
Sotol is not made from agave, rather a wild shrub nicknamed desert spoon. It resembles mezcal in flavour but is more earthy, grassy and pine-like. It can be smoky or sans smoke. It is made in the state of Chihuahua.
Whiskey
Whisky is a distilled spirit made from fermented grains and aged in wooden barrels, with flavour shaped by the type of grain, distillation method, climate, and time spent in oak. Across styles, whisky often develops notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, fruit, and smoke, making it one of the most varied and expressive spirit categories in the world.
Different regional traditions give whisky its many identities. Bourbon, made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, is known for its rich sweetness and warming spice. Rye whisky, produced with a high proportion of rye grain, tends to be drier and spicier, with peppery and herbal notes. Scotch whisky, made and aged in Scotland, ranges from light and delicate to deeply smoky and peated depending on region and production style. Japanese whisky, inspired by Scotch but crafted with a focus on balance and precision, often highlights subtle fruit, honey, and gentle oak character.
Whether enjoyed neat, on ice, or in classic cocktails, whisky reflects centuries of craft and regional tradition, offering something for nearly every palate.
Vodka
Vodka is a distilled spirit known for its clean and neutral profile. It can be made from a variety of fermentable ingredients, including grains, potatoes, and other agricultural products.
Typically distilled to a high level of purity, vodka has minimal aroma and flavour, making it highly versatile. It is commonly served chilled or used as a base for cocktails.
Gin
Gin is a distilled spirit flavoured primarily with juniper berries, along with a blend of other botanicals such as citrus peel, coriander, and herbs. The botanical recipe and production method define the style of gin.
Traditional London Dry gin emphasizes dryness and juniper, while modern styles may highlight floral or citrus notes. Gin is widely used in classic cocktails, including the martini and gin & tonic.
Rum
Rum is distilled from sugarcane by-products, such as molasses or sugarcane juice. It is produced in many regions around the world, particularly in the Caribbean.
Rums range from light and unaged to dark and long-aged, with flavours that may include tropical fruit, caramel, vanilla, and spice. Rum can be used in a wide variety of cocktails or enjoyed on its own.
Brandy
Brandy is made by distilling fermented fruit, most often grapes. Many brandies are aged in oak, which adds warmth and complexity over time.
Flavours commonly include dried fruit, spice, and oak. Styles like Cognac and Armagnac are well known, but brandy is produced in many regions around the world.
Vermouth
Vermouth is a fortified wine infused with a blend of herbs and botanicals. It comes in several styles, most commonly dry and sweet, each with its own flavour balance.
Often thought of as just a mixer, vermouth can also be enjoyed on its own. It remains an essential ingredient in classic cocktails like the martini and Manhattan.
Liquers
Liqueurs are spirits that have been sweetened and flavoured with ingredients such as fruit, herbs, spices, nuts, or cream. They’re typically lower in alcohol than base spirits.
Used to add depth and balance, liqueurs play a key role in many cocktails. Some are also enjoyed on their own as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.