What is Bacanora?

Bacanora is a Mexican agave spirit from the state of Sonora. Therefore, it shares many similarities with Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla. In reality, it is a regional Mezcal that is still referred to as such by older producers and residents in the region. The official classification of Bacanora as its own spirit only came in 2000 where 35 municipalities are allowed to produce it.

It can only be made with one variety of agave, the Agave angustifolia plant, which is unique to the region. In the past, Bacanora was blended with different agaves, and sometimes even Dasylirion which is the plant used for Sotol production. Now, with regulations stipulating just one variety, other agave species in the region have become endangered.

In terms of taste, Bacanora is generally less smoky that Mezcal, but more so than Tequila. The way the agave is roasted in underground pits fired with mesquite wood or in above-ground ovens lined with volcanic rock tends to bring less smoke than Mezcal's methods. Other flavours associated with Bacanora are earth and pepper.