Sierra Norte Black Corn Whisky 70CL

Sierra Norte Black Corn Whisky is a highly distinctive, small-batch Mexican spirit crafted predominantly from native Oaxacan heirloom black corn. Each bottle presents a strength of 45% ABV and comes in a standard 70 cl volume size.

The Sierra Norte project was founded in 2014 by master distiller Douglas French, who spent two decades beforehand perfecting the art of spirits production managing mezcal distillation. The distillery is located in San Agustín de las Juntas within the rural Oaxaca region, the historical heartland of Mexican maize where ancestral corn has been traditionally cultivated for over 7,000 years. Operating with a dedicated, all-female team of workers, the estate works directly with local indigenous farmers. They purchase non-GMO heirloom corn varieties at fair-trade prices to support regional livelihoods and preserve the area's agricultural heritage.

Tasting Notes

•    Aroma: A bold, rich, and sweet nose featuring notes of honey and vanilla alongside maraschino cherry, banana skins, and a gentle scent of fresh-mown hay. A complex base reveals deeper layers of tobacco, bitter dark chocolate, and a splash of wine over buttered oak.
•    Taste: Remarkably smooth yet complex. It delivers a sweet, rich, and oily mouthfeel defined by cooked banana, creamy plantains, orange zest, and deep French oak spices.
•    Finish: A beautifully lingering and warming finish that does not burn. It features wedding cake with almond vanilla icing, brown sugar, caramelized banana, and a soft touch of native corn at the very end.

Distilling Methods

The production process relies on a unique mash bill consisting of 85% hand-picked native black corn, which features a natural sugar level three times higher than conventional corn varieties—blended with 15% malted barley. Following natural fermentation inside traditional pine wood barrels, the liquid undergoes a rigorous double distillation process, using stainless steel tanks for the first run and a 120-gallon copper pot still for the final spirit run. The single-barrel expression is then matured for a minimum of two years in French oak casks sourced directly from prestigious wine producers in Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the Napa Valley.

Serving Suggestions & Cocktails

This complex whisky is exceptional when enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to open up its rich, oily profile. For mixed drinks, it shines brilliantly in a Mexican Whiskey Mule with fresh lime juice and fiery ginger beer, or a Corn Whiskey Smash muddled with seasonal citrus, mint, and a touch of agave syrup. It also makes a brilliant base for a Mexican Manhattan or a Oaxacan Old Fashioned built with standard aromatic bitters and orange peel.

Food Pairings

To match the unique sweet-and-spicy profile of black corn, pair this expression with:
•    Mains: Slow-cooked beef brisket, rich pork carnitas tacos, or traditional Oaxacan mole chichilo.
•    Cheese: Aged Manchego or smoky Gouda.
•    Dessert: High-quality dark chocolate fondue or a spiced almond cake.