THE JOURNEY OF BACANORA: From Phohibition to prestige. A Tale of Tradition, Resilience, and Artisanal Craftsmanship
BACANORA, a spirit deeply rooted in the cultural and historical fabric of the State of Sonora, Mexico, endured a tumultuous journey marked by prohibition and clandestine production. Banned for 77 years, from 1915 to 1992, due to Prohibition, Bacanora's production was driven underground, away from the public eye. However, it refused to disappear, instead becoming a symbol of regionalism and identity for the people of Sonora.
PROTECTED DENOMINATION OF ORIGIN status since the year 2000, Bacanora's production was legalized just eight years prior. PUNTAGAVE became the first legal 90-Proof premium Bacanora imported into the U.S. This milestone marked a significant moment in the spirit’s history, bringing Bacanora into the international spotlight and allowing it to share its rich heritage with a wider audience.
CENTURIES BEFORE TEQUILA, the Opatas Indians produced small batches of Bacanora in the canyons of the Sierra Madre mountains in Sonora, Mexico. Bacanora is perhaps the purest artisanal spirit on the planet. Wild Silvestre agave hearts, harvested from the rich, red soil of the region, are packed out by burro. The agaves are then combined with pure spring-fed water, fire, wild yeasts, and distilled in copper stills. That’s it. Nada mas. This minimalistic approach ensures that Bacanora retains its authentic and unadulterated flavor profile.
THE PRODUCTION PROCESS of Bacanora is steeped in tradition and lore. There are legends of vaqueros, with their chaps, spurs, and machetes, venturing into the steep canyons in search of Wild (Silvestre) agaves. During the eight decades of Bacanora prohibition, compelling stories emerged of Americans smuggling contraband Bacanora into the U.S., adding to the spirit's mystique and allure.
Today, Bacanora stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of artisanal craftsmanship. It is a liquid narration of the history, culture, and identity of Sonora, echoing the voices of the past while embracing the future. Now, as Bacanora graces the shelves of discerning connoisseurs, it invites a new generation to discover and enjoy its unique and storied essence.
Enjoy the journey of Bacanora. Salud!
bacanora - SONORA
BSH Köppen–Geiger Microclimate. Steep Mountain Range Terroir.
ANGUSTIFOLIA HAW