Pox

• Pox (a traditional Mayan spirit pronounced pōsh) produced in Chiapas, Mexico
• Distilled from 44% corn, 28% wheat, and 28% sugarcane
• Sugarcane is crushed; a portion of the juice is boiled to create piloncillo (earthy, raw form of cane sugar)
• Four heirloom corn varieties are dried & milled
• All ingredients are sustainably sourced; the heritage corn is grown by Mayan farmers
• Wheat bran, milled corn, cane juice and piloncillo are combined with local spring water and fermented for 10–18 days in wooden vats (tinas)
• Distilled twice using traditional wood-fired copper pot stills
• Savory on the nose and palate with notes of ancho and guajillo chiles, esquites, dried coconut, and baked corn husk
• A portion of each sale is donated to the ALSOL Foundation that supports Mexican artists and craftspeople in Chiapas
• 42% ABV (ABV may vary batch to batch)

Tasting Notes

First, sugarcane is crushed, juiced, and boiled to create piloncillo (like a sticky brick of raw brown sugar). Meanwhile, four different heritage varieties of corn (white, red, yellow and black) are dried, husked and ground. Next, wheat bran is placed in a large wooden fermenter and local spring water is slowly introduced. Finally, the ground corn, piloncillo, and additional fresh sugarcane juice are added to the vat where natural, spontaneous fermentation occurs over 10–18 days. The mash is distilled twice, using wood-fired copper pot stills, and proofed to around 42% ABV (proof will vary slightly from batch to batch). The result is savory on the nose and palate with notes of ancho and guajillo chiles, esquites, dried coconut, and baked corn husk. A fascinating experience! 

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