Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (September 20, 2024) – Casa Velas, an adults-only boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta, invites guests to explore the rich heritage of Mexican spirits with an exclusive new ‘Raicilla Roots’ experience. This unique journey offers an in-depth look at raicilla, one of Mexico’s oldest and most treasured spirits, with a visit to the agave fields near La Estancia, Jalisco, coupled with an intimate tasting and mixology class onsite in the hotel’s botanical garden.
Raicilla is a traditional spirit that predates tequila and mezcal, tracing its roots back over 400 years. The name comes from the Spanish word raicilla, which means “little root.” Distilled from wild agave found in the rugged landscapes of Jalisco, raicilla was historically produced in small batches by local artisans, often in secret due to colonial-era restrictions. Today, it remains a symbol of Mexican cultural heritage, celebrated for its complex, earthy flavors and the artisanal methods that have been passed down through generations.
Guests staying at Casa Velas can dive deep into raicilla culture through this adventure that begins with a scenic 1.5-hour journey through the Sierra Madre mountains in a Jeep, as guests make their way to the agave fields of Aycya, an up and coming local raicilla producer. Upon arrival, they will be greeted by a master raicillero, who will guide them through the entire process of raicilla making, from the harvesting of the agave to the traditional distillation techniques that give this spirit its unique character. They will then explore Aycya’s fields, where the agave plants are cultivated, and visit the artisanal distillery where the magic happens. This immersive tour offers a rare glimpse into the centuries-old methods that define raicilla production, highlighting the care and craftsmanship involved. Following the tour, guests will be treated to an exclusive tasting of four varieties of Aycya Raicilla, each showcasing different flavor profiles—from smoky and earthy to sweet and floral. A highlight, the tasting experience includes a special edition raicilla that is only available to those participating in the tour.
Back at Casa Velas, the experience continues with a private mixology class in the resort’s Botanical Garden. Guided by the in-house mixologist, guests will learn how to craft signature cocktails using the raicilla they’ve just discovered. The class incorporates fresh herbs and spices picked from the garden, providing a hands-on lesson in creating vibrant, locally-inspired drinks that guests can recreate at home.
The Raicilla Roots experience includes round-trip transfers to the raicilla fields in a Jeep, a guided tour of Aycya’s raicilla fields and artisanal production process, an exclusive tasting of four Aycya raicilla varieties, and a private mixology class in the Casa Velas Botanical Garden. The experience starts at $1,250 USD for two adults. Resort rates at Casa Velas start at $324 per person per night based on double occupancy. For more information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://www.hotelcasavelas.com/.
