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Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (loose rock on trail.)Length: an approximate 1.3 mile up-and-back hike (2.6 miles total)
Elevation Gain: 543 feet
Duration: 2-3 hours
Among the iconic desert plants of the Chihuahuan Desert is sotol, aka desert spoon. Sotol is chiefly used in the creation of a traditional Mexican distilled spirit of the same name, crafted from the plant's fermented hearts.
For this hike, Chris Schaefer of Dry Point Distillers in Mesilla will introduce us to the two regional species of sotol that are used in Mexican distilling. We will learn how sotol's flavor profile compares to that of tequila or mezcal, about the regions in Mexico where sotol holds a protected Appellation of Origin, an how the production process differs from that of agave spirits.
Chris will share his vision for a future, New Mexican-produced sotol, and we can have fun brainstorming on what such a beverage could be called (since TRUE sotol can only come from three Mexican states, just as TRUE champagne can only come from northeastern France).
At the end of the hike, we will sample some of the sotol that Dry Point Distillers imports from Mexico. We will also have some homemade Licor de Agarito---a homemade liqueur made from agave and locally-foraged desert barberries. We will have a FREE but limited supply of jícaras -- small drinking vessels made from a dried, hollowed-out gourd, traditionally used for sampling sotol. Participants will be able to keep their jícara after the hike.
Access: Please meet at the trailhead at Soledad Canyon Day Use Area. Please note there is no restroom at this area.
Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Soledad+Cyn+Spgs+Trl,+New+Mexico+88011/@32.3087201,-106.5828179,17z/
Caution/Disclaimer: Hikers are responsible for their own personal safety/health and of their guests when participating in Las Cruces Short Hikes activities. The organizers of Las Cruces Short Hikes are not liable for any illness, injury, accident, mechanical break-down, or unforeseen acts that may occur while you participate going to, during, or after any activity. If you have a medical condition that may be aggravated by any kind of physical activity you must make your own personal decision about attending and not hold any of the volunteer organizers liable. All organizers are volunteers and are not compensated during any activity.
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Event venue
Soledad Canyon, Soledad Canyon Road,Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
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