Tequila & Mezcal · May 28, 2025

Behind the Label: The Family Legacy and Healing Spirit of Kilinga Bacanora | Part 3

What if your favorite spirit was named after your mom?In this heartfelt and revealing Part 3 of our exclusive interview, master distiller Rodrigo Bojórquez of Kilinga Bacanora takes us behind the label — literally.Learn

Inside the Episode

What if your favorite spirit was named after your mom?In this heartfelt and revealing Part 3 of our exclusive interview, master distiller Rodrigo Bojórquez of Kilinga Bacanora takes us behind the label — literally.Learn how this small-batch Bacanora from the Sonoran Desert is rooted in family legacy, powered by women, and inspired by ancient medicinal traditions of the region.We explore:💡 The story of Rodrigo’s mother “Kilinga” — and how she inspired the name🌿 Traditional Sonoran infusions using desert herbs, fruits, and roots🔥 Why roasting techniques and barrel types bring out chocolate, coffee, and spice notes🧪 The truth about alcohol and medicinal history (before it was taboo)🥩 Why Bacanora pairs perfectly with steak and fat-rich meals🍷 How spirit-making is more than a process — it’s a way to capture stories, memories, and placeThis isn’t just agave in a bottle. It’s culture. It’s family. It’s a spirit worth remembering.“I’m just the translator of what the agave lived through.” — Rodrigo🕓

At a Glance

  • Category: Tequila & Mezcal
  • Published: May 28, 2025
  • Runtime: 00:20:44
  • Presented by: The Liquor Connoisseur

Tasting Notes from the Episode

What if your favorite spirit was named after your mom?In this heartfelt and revealing Part 3 of our exclusive interview, master distiller Rodrigo Bojórquez of Kilinga Bacanora takes us behind the label — literally.Learn how this small-batch Bacanora from the Sonoran Desert is rooted in family legacy, powered by women, and inspired by ancient medicinal traditions of the region.We explore:💡 The story of Rodrigo’s mother “Kilinga” — and how she inspired the name🌿 Traditional Sonoran infusions using desert herbs, fruits, and roots🔥 Why roasting techniques and barrel types bring out chocolate, coffee, and spice notes🧪 The truth about alcohol and medicinal history (before it was taboo)🥩 Why Bacanora pairs perfectly with steak and fat-rich meals🍷 How spirit-making is more than a process — it’s a way to capture stories, memories, and placeThis isn’t just agave in a bottle.

Episode Chapters

  • Behind the name “Kilinga”: A tribute to Rodrigo’s mom
  • Women, family, and generational strength
  • High-proof Bacanora & desert infusions with herbs and fruit
  • The medicinal roots of Bacanora and the meaning of "spirit"
  • Chocolate, coffee & caramel: How flavor comes from slow roasting + barrels
  • Why agave should be fun — not a harsh experience
  • Where to buy Kilinga in the U.S.
  • Bugs, eggs, steak & culture: Agave in traditional cuisine
  • Pairing Bacanora with fatty cuts of meat
  • “Drink to remember, not to forget” — the legacy in every sipFollow Kilinga Bacanora to learn more about this spirit:Website: :
Listen to the original episode →

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