Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:51 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Discover everything about Nocheluna Sotol also known as Lenny Kravitz Tequila in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Nocheluna Sotol: A Surprisingly Good Celebrity-Endorsed Spirit (Natural, Smooth, Sotol Introduction)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Tequila expert Neil Coleman mentions that Nocheluna breaks the mold regarding celebrity tequilas by highlighting Nocheluna Sotol, a spirit they genuinely enjoy. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:
Against the Grain:
- Unlike many celebrity tequilas, Nocheluna is praised for its quality.
- Celebrity endorsements often lead to overhyped and disappointing products.
Strengths of Nocheluna Sotol:
- Natural Flavor: Described as having a natural and satisfying taste experience, free of artificial sweeteners and fake flavors.
- Smooth and Flavorful: Offers a smooth drinking experience with prominent Sotol characteristics.
- Strong Alcohol Content: Bottled at 86 proof, exceeding the average tequila proof (80 proof).
- Introduction to Sotol: A great entry point for those curious about Sotol, a spirit similar to tequila.
Drawbacks:
Limited availability in liquor stores making online shopping the best option.
Additional Information:
- Nocheluna is endorsed by celebrity Lenny Kravitz, but the expert believes the Sotol deserves recognition beyond the celebrity association.
- The production involves collaboration with renowned Sotol distillers, potentially contributing to the quality.
Overall:
Nocheluna Sotol stands out as a celebrity-backed spirit that is praised for its natural taste, smooth profile, and focus on Sotol characteristics. The expert recommends it as a good introduction to Sotol for those seeking to explore beyond tequila.
Nocheluna is not a Tequila!
Nocheluna (Moonlight) is not a Tequila but a Sotol, which is made from the plant Dasylirion wheeleri, a species of flowering plant in the asparagus family.
Unlike Tequila, which is made from blue agave, Sotol is crafted from this specific plant.
Dasylirion wheeleri is native to arid regions in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States.
It requires approximately 15 years to reach full maturity in the wild before it can be harvested, cooked, and distilled.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Bright flowers, dried fruit, honey, wood
- Palate: Eucalyptus, earth, anise, honey
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Breaking Bad Mezcal
The aroma of Nocheluna is characterized by bright flowers, dried fruit, honey, and a hint of mesquite wood.
When tasting, the Tequila offers an enjoyable and oily mouthfeel.
The initial sip reveals smoothness and a prominent eucalyptus flavor, followed by notes of anise and honey.
The earthy undertone adds an intriguing element to the overall experience.
The finish is lingering, with subtle warmth and a touch of honey that adds a sweet touch to the end.
How did I review Noche Luna Sotol?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and Tequila expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should it be served?
- Serve in a tumbler with large ice cubes to maintain chill without dilution.
- Chilling the glass in the freezer before pouring is also recommended.
- It is not recommended as a mixer for cocktails like Mojitos or Mexican Mules, as there are more affordable options suitable for that purpose.
Are there any similar alternatives?
- It shares taste similarities with Mezcal rather than Tequila.
- More comparable in flavor to Casamigos Mezcal, but preferred for its more vibrant taste over Casamigos Mezcal's overly smooth yet lacking flavor.
- Compared to Dos Hombres Mezcal, endorsed by celebrities, it offers a more vibrant taste experience.
What is the price?
- Approximately $70 at Old Town Tequila and Uptown Spirits.
- Considered a bit pricey, but justified by its artisanal production.
How is it produced?
- Made from wild Dasylirion, which takes up to 15 years to mature.
- Plants are cooked in an underground pit, crushed, naturally fermented for up to 10 days, and double-distilled in copper pots.
What is the alcohol content?
- 86 proof (43% ABV).
Where is it produced?
- Crafted in Aldama, Chihuahua, by a small producer known for top-quality Sotol.
Who owns it?
- Jointly owned by Casa Lumbre and Pernod Ricard, with Lenny Kravitz as the public face of the project.
Does it have an expiration date?
- Can remain drinkable for many years if stored properly.
- Once opened, best consumed when there's around 25% left to avoid an odd taste.
What are the specifications?
- Type of Spirit: Sotol
- Proof: 86
- ABV: 43%
- Double-distilled: Yes
- Triple-distilled: No
- Aging length: None
- Is it sweet? Moderately
- Is it warm? No
- Is it smoky? No
- Good for beginners? Not the best
- Good for cocktails? No