Aqara Agave de Los Andes Refugio Zero Proof
Aqara Agave de Los Andes Refugio Zero Proof is a zero-proof, non-alcoholic agave spirit from Caraz in the Peruvian Andes: 0% ABV in a 750mL bottle, made from the same wild ensamble of Agave americana expansa Gentry and Agave cordillerensis as Aqara's Rito — but distilled without any fermentation, so no alcohol is ever produced. Locoto and rocoto peppers join both distillations, lending an alcohol-like warmth and spice to the agave character. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 0% — zero proof, non-alcoholic
- Size: 750mL
- Agave: Ensamble of Agave americana expansa Gentry and Agave cordillerensis, ~10 years
- Process: Ancient clay oven, 3-4 days eucalyptus heat; NO fermentation; double-distilled in copper pots
- Peppers: Locoto (aji amarillo) and rocoto in the vapor basket (1st distillation), in the pot (2nd)
- Origin: Caraz, Ancash, Peruvian Andes
All the Agave, None of the Alcohol
The defining step of Refugio Zero is what doesn't happen: fermentation. The wild Andean agaves are cooked for days in ancient clay ovens, cut by machete and hammer-milled exactly as for the Rito — but then the must goes straight to the still without ever fermenting, so distillation captures the pure flavor of the agave with no alcohol. Locoto peppers (Peruvian aji amarillo) and Andean rocoto are added to the vapor basket for the first distillation and directly into the pot for the second, giving the spirit a genuine spicy bite that fills in for alcohol's heat in cocktails. After a three-month rest and stabilization, the result is a zero-proof bottle that tastes like its origin: a pristine Andean mountain meadow, a touch of smoke, a hint of pepper. Browse the Aqara collection, more non-alcoholic spirits, and agave spirits at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
The natural balance of a pristine Andean mountain meadow: pure wild-agave flavor with a bit of smokiness and a touch of locoto/rocoto spice. The peppers add an alcohol-like warmth on the palate, particularly in cocktails.
How to Enjoy
This is built for cocktails — use it anywhere a spirit's bite is wanted without the alcohol: zero-proof margaritas, palomas and smoky spritzes. The brand's own guidance: refrigerate after opening, use within 2 months, do not freeze, keep out of sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a spirit made with zero alcohol? Refugio Zero is distilled from unfermented agave must — because fermentation never happens, no alcohol is produced. The still captures the agave flavor, not ethanol.
Why are there peppers in it? Locoto and rocoto peppers are added to the vapor basket on the first distillation and directly into the pot on the second, giving spice that mimics alcohol's warmth — especially noticeable in cocktails.
Is this a mezcal? No — it is a Peruvian agave spirit, and at 0% ABV it belongs on the non-alcoholic shelf. Mezcal is a Mexican denomination of origin.
How should I store it after opening? Refrigerate after opening, use within 2 months, keep out of direct sunlight and do not freeze.
Zero proof, full Andean character — buy Aqara Agave de Los Andes Refugio Zero Proof online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.