Aqara Agave de Los Andes Rito

Aqara Agave de Los Andes Rito is a wild Andean agave spirit from Caraz, in the Ancash region of the Peruvian Andes: 47% ABV (94 proof) in a 750mL bottle, made from an ensamble of Agave americana expansa Gentry and Agave cordillerensis harvested at around ten years. The piñas cook for three to four days in ancient clay ovens fired with eucalyptus wood, then double-distill in copper pots and rest three months. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV: 47% (94 proof)
• Size: 750mL
• Agave: Ensamble of Agave americana expansa Gentry and Agave cordillerensis; wild, ~10 years at ~24° brix
• Cook: Ancient clay oven, 3-4 days, eucalyptus wood heat
• Distillation: Double-distilled in copper pot stills (120L and 150L); 3 months resting
• Origin: Caraz ("Place of Agaves"), Ancash, Peruvian Andes

Andean Agave, Beyond Mezcal's Borders

Aqara was founded in 2019 by Marco Suarez Lara with a simple argument: agave spirits do not have to imitate tequila or mezcal — the Andes can grow wild agave and make a distinctive spirit of its own. In Caraz, known locally as the "Place of Agaves," wild agave is hand-cut by machete into cubes, hammer-milled, and cooked for days in ancient clay ovens under eucalyptus heat — a rustic process unique to Rito among Aqara's line. Fermentation runs three days in stainless steel, and double distillation in small copper pots yields a spirit that rests three months before bottling. Because tequila and mezcal are legally Mexican denominations of origin, this is exactly what it says on the bottle: an agave spirit of the Andes. Explore the Aqara collection, more agave spirits, and tequila and mezcal for comparison at Del Mesa.

Tasting Notes

Brand/retailer notes: earthy smoked baked vegetables, jerky and mountain aromas on the nose; sweet, light dry mud, smoky notes and earthy salt on the palate — unctuous and long, with guava, lemon verbena and liquorice.

How to Enjoy

Neat at room temperature for the full earthy-smoky profile, or in mezcal-style cocktails — it brings wild-agave character that stands apart from Mexican expressions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aqara Rito a mezcal? No — mezcal and tequila are Mexican denominations of origin. Aqara is a Peruvian agave spirit from the Andes, made from wild Andean agave.

What agave is it made from? An ensamble of Agave americana expansa Gentry and Agave cordillerensis — wild agave harvested at about ten years of age.

How is it cooked? In ancient clay ovens for 3-4 days with eucalyptus wood heat — the clay-oven step is specific to the Rito expression.

What is the alcohol content? 47% ABV (94 proof).

Wild Andean agave, clay-oven roasted — order Aqara Agave de Los Andes Rito online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.