Empirical Ayuuk is a smoky, savory spirit built on a single botanical — the Pasilla Mixe chili, sourced directly from Mixe farmers in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico — macerated in a Danish purple-wheat and pilsner-malt spirit and rested in an Oloroso sherry cask. 43% ABV.

Empirical is a Copenhagen flavor company known for its unconventional approach to distillation and flavor. Ayuuk is named for and built around the Pasilla Mixe chili, a smoky dried chili preserved by the Mixe people of Oaxaca's Sierra Norte mountains. The chili is the sole botanical and the source of all the spirit's complexity, macerated in a base spirit made from Danish heritage purple wheat and pilsner malt. After distillation, the best fractions rest in an Oloroso sherry cask, where the flavors mature into a smooth, distinct, savory finish.

Tasting Notes

• Flavor: Earthy, dark red fruit, smoky
• Finish: Smooth, savory, sherry-cask depth

Specs

• Producer: Empirical, Copenhagen
• Style: Flavored Spirit — Pasilla Mixe chili
• Base: Danish purple wheat & pilsner malt
• Botanical: Pasilla Mixe chili (Oaxaca, Mexico)
• Cask: Oloroso sherry
• ABV: 43%
• Size: 500ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ayuuk made from?

A single botanical — the smoky Pasilla Mixe chili from Oaxaca, Mexico — macerated in a Danish purple-wheat and pilsner-malt spirit and rested in an Oloroso sherry cask.

What does it taste like?

Earthy, smoky, with dark red fruit and a smooth, savory finish from the sherry-cask resting.

How should I serve it?

Over ice with ginger beer is the producer's recommended serve.