Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Poblano Liqueur

Ancho Reyes Verde is a chilli liqueur from Mexico, made by hand from green poblano chillies that are harvested ripe, roasted over an open fire, cut and macerated, and bottled at 40%. The green expression sets itself apart from the original by using the chillies while still green rather than ripe and dried, which keeps a fresher, more vegetal heat, while the open fire roasting lays a smoky depth underneath. The result is a savoury, spice driven liqueur rather than a sweet one.

The nose is fresh, vegetal and smoky with green pepper, lemon zest, fresh herbs and wood smoke, the palate spicy and aromatic with herbal tones, slightly sweet chilli, roasted vegetables and lime zest, finishing long, warm and gently peppery. Behind the bar it brings heat, smoke and a savoury vegetal edge, which makes it a sharp tool for modern serves, a spicy Margarita, a Verde Paloma or a Bloody Maria. Use a measure to add controlled heat to a sour, or pour it neat over ice to show its full profile.