Desert Door Distillery

It was lowly then – the firewater of peasants, a tincture for ills. But it was hardy, yawning its toothsome spines in the face of the harsh West Texas elements, withstanding the hooves of creature and time. But this spirit is rising. The coyote knows this and grins It’s wise to join him.
Unique to northern Mexico and Texas, the evergreen sotol, or Desert Spoon, plant is at peace in the barren, bone dry expanse of the desert. From its stocky pina, lanky green leaves explode like a firework of sharp-tipped spears. And from May to August it flowers creamy white, standing up to 15ft tall. While it looks familiar, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s agave. This is no place for fools.
Some 9,000 years have passed since the first native peoples wandered the desolate Lower Pecos Canyonlands. Despite relentless conditions, these pre-Texans were more adept than daunted, making use of whatever animal or plant they could find, sotol included. Evidence in remote rock shelters tells of eating its pulpy heart and weaving mats and such out of its limbs. But legend whispers more – a potion for ailments and ceremony, an earthly intoxicant for unearthly whims.
And then came the soldiers, settlers, and cowboys. While more popular spirits were poured during the waging of war, rumbling of ranches and gushing of oil, sotol was being sipped in the shadows. But things being closer than they appear, it didn’t require a border crossing. Rumor has it being bootlegged in the dusk of West Texas for some 300 years. But it’s best not to dwell on particulars, you don’t want to miss the show: the four-legged trickster playing the drums and visions you didn’t even know you had parading in and out of color across vast, vacant plains.

Author: Dirk Jahn