NOT Tequila?! Naiche Sotol Review – Tequila’s Wild Cousin Explained

NOT Tequila?! Naiche Sotol Review – Tequila’s Wild Cousin Explained

From Tasting Tequila with Brad by Bradley Niccum

April 23, 2026 · 4 min

About this episode

This episode reviews Naiche Sotol, exploring its unique characteristics and production methods compared to tequila and mezcal.

NOT Tequila?! Naiche Sotol Review – Tequila’s Wild Cousin Explained Sotol review, Naiche Sotol review, what is sotol, tequila vs sotol, additive-free Mexican spirits—today we’re diving into one of the most unique bottles coming out of Mexico right now. In this episode of Tasting Tequila with Brad, I review Naiche Sotol, a small-batch artisanal spirit from Chihuahua, Mexico made from wild-harvested desert spoon (Dasylirion). If you love tequila or mezcal and want to explore something new, this might be your next bottle. Naiche Sotol is produced using traditional methods including pit cooking with wood fire (cottonwood, oak, mesquite), open-air fermentation, and double distillation in copper stills. Bottled at 42% ABV, it delivers a balanced, flavorful experience that showcases the wild Chihuahuan desert. Tasting Notes: * Nose: Green herbs, citrus, black pepper, light smoke * Palate: Honey, spice, light anise, smooth texture * Finish: Warm, slightly sweet, earthy with subtle smoke What makes Sotol different? Unlike tequila and mezcal, sotol is made from the desert spoon plant—and harvesting it does NOT kill the plant, making it a more sustainable option when done correctly. If…

People in this episode

Host: Bradley Niccum

Topics covered

  • sotol
  • tequila comparison
  • additive-free spirits
  • artisanal production
  • sustainability
  • tasting notes

Keywords

  • sotol
  • Naiche Sotol
  • tequila vs sotol
  • additive-free spirits
  • artisanal
  • tasting notes
  • sustainability
  • Chihuahua

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Naiche Sotol, tequila, mezcal, desert spoon

Places: Chihuahua, Mexico, Chihuahuan desert

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