Sierra Norte Red Corn Whisky 70CL

Sierra Norte Red Corn Whisky is a highly unique, craft-distilled single-barrel expression showcasing the deep biodiversity of Mexico. Far removed from standard commercial grain spirits, this artisanal release relies on an exceptional recipe of 85% non-GMO heirloom red corn and 15% malted barley. Matured for a minimum of two years in single French oak casks, predominantly sourced from prestigious wine producers in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Napa Valley, it offers an entirely original taste profile that highlights its authentic Mexican terroir. This captivating red corn expression is bottled at an optimal 45% ABV and is presented in a 70 cl bottle size.

The origins of the estate date back to 1996, when founder and master distiller Douglas French established a rustic artisanal distillery in San Agustín de las Juntas, Oaxaca, to craft premium mezcal. When a severe agave shortage impacted production in 2014, French chose to diversify by pivoting towards the region's other sacred, ancient crop: native corn, which has been cultivated by traditional Oaxacan families for over 7,000 years. Through a fair-trade partnership that directly protects indigenous farming communities from commercial GMO takeovers, the distillery sources hand-picked, native red corn cobs from small, local family fields.

Tasting Notes

•    Colour: Warm amber.
•    Nose: A highly pleasant, dry, and inviting aroma. It opens with distinctive hints of toasted graham cracker, fresh cornbread, and red liquorice, followed by a buttery note of sweet corncobs wrapped in a gentle cloud of kitchen spices.
•    Palate: Extremely rich, grand, and wonderfully balanced in flavour. A substantial mouthful delivers deep notes of fruit concentrate, baked orange, and sweet toffee, beautifully countered by savoury hints of red bell pepper, clove, star anise, and fresh peppercorns that gather at the front of the tongue.
•    Finish: Subtly vegetal, exceptionally smooth, and remarkably long.

Distilling Methods

The production methods seamlessly marry ancestral agriculture with modern distilling expertise. After the heritage red corn is painstakingly shucked by hand and milled into flour, it is combined with Mexican malted barley and soft, demineralised water from a deep on-site well to create a 4,000-litre mash. Following natural fermentation, the liquid undergoes a precise double distillation. The first pass takes place in a traditional stainless steel still using a shared steam system, while the crucial second distillation is conducted inside a smaller, direct-fire copper pot still to lock in the corn's essential oils and distinct identity.

Serving Suggestions & Cocktail Recipes

•    Neat or On the Rocks: Savour this whisky completely unadorned in a short tumbler, or with a single, large block of clear ice to allow the complex baking spices and sweet cornbread notes to gently unfold.
•    Oaxacan Old Fashioned: Stir 50 ml of Red Corn Whisky, a barspoon of agave nectar, and two dashes of Angostura bitters with ice. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass and garnish with a wide strip of orange peel.
•    Whiskey Tamarind Sour: Shake 50 ml of whisky with 20 ml of fresh lime juice, 20 ml of rich tamarind syrup, and an egg white (optional) with ice. Strain into a chilled coupé glass for a beautifully tart, earthy twist on a classic sour.

Food Matchings

The vibrant combination of sweet toffee, vegetal pepper, and baking spice makes this whisky a phenomenal partner for food. Pair it alongside slow-roasted pork carnitas or barbacoa beef tacos, where the spirit's bright fruit and pepper notes slice beautifully through the rich, savoury fats. It matches flawlessly with rich mole chichilo or oaxaqueño, as the French oak tannins elevate the complex, charred chillies and dark cacao in the sauce. For a simpler snack, serve it with warm, artisanal sweetcorn tamales brushed with salted butter, which mirrors and elevates the spirit's heritage grain profile.