Cactus Spirit
This unique spirit (cactus liquor) is distilled from native prickly pear cactus. Using a process similar to mezcal, our cactus is smoked over a wood fire to create an earthy, smoky, and complex spirit. It pairs wonderfully with citrus, seafood, and strong, spicy foods. ~41% ABV.
Tasting Notes
It is ideal for cocktails, pairing especially well with citrus and spice. Many patrons compare our spirit to a fine mezcal, but layered with unique vegetal and earthy notes.
- Nose - Mesquite, Star Fruit, Leather
- Palate - Raw Cane, Smoke, Peat, Vegetal
- Finish - Campfire, Bitter Melon, Long Finish
Original Ingredients
- Prickly Pear Cactus – Native prickly pear cactus pads are smoked over a mesquite fire for 48 hours to merge the rich, earthy notes of the cactus with the complex bitterness of wood smoke. In season, fresh cactus fruit is added to boost the natural sugar content.
- Raw Cane Sugar - Cactus pads have seasonal variations in sugar content. Raw cane sugar balances the sugar content of each mash, particularly when cactus fruit is out of season.
- Pure Colorado Water – Our water comes from one of the most protected and highest-quality native water basins in the country.
- Champagne Yeast –We rely on a traditional champagne yeast to ferment our cactus. The clean flavor profile of the yeast highlights the subtle earthy sweet notes of the cactus.
Why Prickly Pear Cactus? We had planned to create a mezcal from high-altitude agave, but we were unable to consistently source domestic raw agave. It took a long hike with the dog – and removing cactus thorns from her pads – for the epiphany: we’ve got LOTS of prickly pear cactus in Colorado. After several painful weeks of hand harvesting cactus, we used techniques similar to making mezcal to create a brand new spirit – and Dry Land Distillers Cactus was born.
Accolades
- 2023 Good Food Awards Winner
- Gold Medal, 2023 Denver International Spirits Competition
- Bronze Medal, 2018 London International Spirits Competition
- B+ “Now this is something really different. Definitely worth comparing side by side to a bolder mezcal.” DRINKHACKER