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While there are thousands of whiskies from all over the world, I don’t recall ever encountering one from Mexico. However, given the increasing demand for whiskey, distilleries are starting to diversify. Adictivo Tequila is a recent example, and has recently launched Adictivo Whiskey.
Adictivo Whiskey is a small-batch single malt whiskey produced and bottled by Vitro Tequilera in Jalisco, Mexico. This spirit is aged for 5 years in American Oak casks, and finished in Adictivo tequila casks.
❖ Spirit: Small Batch Whiskey from Mexico
❖ Distillery: Produced and Bottled by Vitro Tequilera
❖ ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
❖ Aged 5 Years
❖ High Price
❖ Color: Amber
❖ Nose: Vanilla, Caramel, Fruit, Surprising amount of heat.
❖ Taste: Smoke, Fruit, Mint, Vanilla, Toffee, Oak
❖ Finish: Bitter Oak, Vanilla, Fruit
2 oz Whiskey
1/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
1/4 oz Cointreau
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
❖ Add ingredients to a rocks glass
❖ Add a large ice cube and stir to chill
❖ Garnish with a lemon and orange twist
Since Adictivo Whiskey has a similar flavor profile as bourbon, there were plenty of options when it came to making cocktails. But, since I was already trying to finish a bottle of sweet vermouth, I thought this Old Fashioned variation from one of my favorite cocktail books, Regarding Cocktails by Sasha Petraske and Georgette Moger-Petraske (paid Amazon link), would be a perfect option.
I was particularly impressed by the balance of this cocktail. Although it’s entirely made from alcoholic ingredients, and despite Adictivo having some heat, the cocktail was quite smooth. The Cointreau and sweet vermouth added just the right amount sweetness to offset the whiskey’s bitterness, and also enhanced the fruit notes. The additional herbal notes from the bitters, and the citrus from Cointreau, also perfectly complemented the Adictivo.
RATING: 3/5
Although I think Adictivo is a solid whiskey, and I enjoyed most of my time with it, I’m still not sure it’s worth the price. Higher-priced spirits are a luxury, so I tend to judge them more harshly. Unfortunately, Adictivo Whiskey had enough little disappointments for me to award it an average star rating.
While I appreciate the attempt to innovate with the unique bottle shape, the end result is underwhelming. The labels don’t properly adhere to the curved glass, so the presentation ends up looking cheap. The liquid in the bottle cap creates a nice effect, but requires a thick rubber stopper that makes it harder to open the bottle, and occasionally leaks.
So, since I found the presentation underwhelming, the flavor needs to make up for it. And although Adictivo Whiskey has a nice depth of flavor, and is an overall pleasant experience, I don’t think it does enough to distinguish itself from other bourbons with a similar flavor profile, many of which are significantly cheaper. So, unless you are drawn to the cool bottle shape, or want to support a Mexican based company, I would suggest you consider other options.
As always, drink responsibly.
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