XTA Xtabentun Honey And Rum Mayan Liqueur

Difford's Guide

alc./vol: 35%

Proof: 70°

Vintage: Non-vintage

Aged: Unaged

Product of: Product of Mexico Mexico

Pronounced 'Ish-tah-ben-TOON', Xtabentún is a traditional liqueur made in Mexico's Yucatán region from fermented xtabentún flower honey (mead) flavoured with anise. The alcohol content of Casa D'Arish Xtabentún is lifted by the addition of locally made rum.

Xtabentún is a traditional Mexican drink with Mayan origins. They fermented a form of mead called balché which they made by filling a trough or canoe with honey, water and the bark from the balché tree. The drink was of religious significance to Mayans, leading the Spanish to ban balché after their conquest of the Aztec Empire as part of an attempt to convert the Mexican people to Christianity. The ban was lifted after the Spanish developed their own version of the drink using anise in place of the tree bark.

In the Mayan language, xtabentún means 'vines growing on stone', referring to the Christmas vine (Turbina corymbosa), a plant whose seeds contain ergine which is said to have hallucinogenic properties.

Review and Tasting


Sampled on 01/08/2016

Appearance:

Clear, greeny golden yellow.

Aroma:

Reminiscent of absinthe. Pungent aniseed, honey and sesame seed toast with white pepper spice.

Taste:

Syrupy mouthfeel. Intense star anise, honeyed sweetness and faint herbal notes.

Aftertaste:

Anise, honey, faint herbs and white pepper spice.

Overall:

Intense star anise with syrupy honey sweetness and faint herbal wormwood-like notes. Somewhat reminiscent of an absinthe liqueur.

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Product Information

Barcode UPC: 7501370915909
Bottle Size: 700 ml
Closure: Screw / Stelvin cap

Barcode UPC: 7501370905443
Bottle Size: 700 ml

More about Casa D'Arish Xtabentun

Produced by: Casa D'Aristi S.A de C.V.
UK distribution by: Indie Brands
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