Mole Poblano

Each year we bring together incredible combinations of ingredients to produce special single-batch spirits. This year's is no exception. It is our delight to introduce our Spring 2009 limited release, Mole Poblano.

This year, we have made just 509 bottles of this limited edition spirit, and as with past limited releases, once it's gone, it's gone. You can read about it in the Chicago Tribune, Luxist and Urban Daddy.

The Inspiration

Mexican cuisine has always been a favorite of ours. So, when a friend suggested we make something with Latin flair, we knew it was a great idea, and we knew exactly the direction to take. Mole (pronounced MO-lay) is a traditional sauce in Mexico, usually made from a large array of ingredients. Though they are made throughout the country, they vary in flavor from region to region.

Most historians believe mole sauces originated in the colonial city of Puebla, Mexico, and all agree that mole poblano in particular was created in Puebla. Traditionally made with a several types of dried chili peppers and Mexican chocolate (which is cacao beans ground with sugar and cinnamon), the sauce also includes a variety of spices and herbs. Mole poblano is cooked over a long period, resulting in a nuanced, rich and hearty sauce.

It is this style of mole that we decided to work with to created a flavor profile that is perfect for sipping.

Producing The Spirit

To create a spirit version of Mole Poblano, we began by selecting seven types of chili peppers. We deveined and deseeded the peppers, and cut them into chunks. Rather than using processed Mexican chocolate, we used whole cacao beans, which we carefully ground. We also added a wide range of herbs and spices to complete the mix. We infused all these ingredients into the spirit, and then distilled the mixture to infuse the flavors more fully into the spirit. We then infused the spirit with additional herbs to get to its final form.

The color and flavor of Mole Poblano comes solely from the peppers, cacao, herbs and spices we have added to the spirit. No flavorings, extracts or sweeteners were used.

Tasting Notes & Recipes

When you first smell this spirit the chili pepper aroma will entice your senses. Then other botanicals fill in underneath providing a full, inviting bouquet, with just a hint of sweetness and perhaps chocolate. At first sip, you'll taste several types of peppers, along with an array of spices. Look for the chocolate to emerge at the finish, leaving a hint of sweetness and fresh spiced chocolate flavors in your mouth.

We recommend trying this spirit over one ice cube initially, which allows the complex flavors to really shine. We also have some great recipes for Mole Poblano.

Finding Mole Poblano

Here's a list of where you should be able to find Mole Poblano, as of December 21st (might want to call ahead to avoid disappointment):

Bottles:
Chicago: West Lakeview Liquors (they sell online too)

Sold Out Retailers
Antioch: Antioch Fine Wine & Liquor
Barrington: Wine Discount Center
Champaign: Sun Singer Wine & Spirits
Chicago: Binny's Beverage Depot (all locations), Drinks Over Dearborn, In Fine Spirits, Lush Wine & Spirits (both locations), The Noble Grape, Sam's Wine & Spirits (both locations), Wine Discount Center
Downers Grove: Sam's Wine & Spirits
Grayslake: Wine Knows
Highland Park: Binny's Beverage Depot, Sam's Wine & Spirits, Wine Discount Center
Lake Bluff: Lake Bluff Village Market
Lake Forest: Lake Forest Food & Wine
Libertyville: Gold Eagle Liquors
Mt. Prospect: Gold Eagle Liquors
Orland Park: Binny's Beverage Depot
Rockford: Artale Wine & Spirits
Skokie: Toni's Liquors
Urbana: The Corkscrew
Willowbrook: Binny's Beverage Depot

Drinks:
Chicago: Clark Street Ale House, In Fine Spirits Lounge
Highwood: Sage Grille