Raicilla is a type of regional mezcal from western Jalisco in Mexico. There is a coastal version and a sierra (mountain) version - both use distinct agave varieties and have differences in their production methods. Denomination of Origin (DO) status was granted to Raicilla in 2019, however, the Official Norms from the Mexican government have not yet been handed down.
I photographed Raicilla for Experience Mezcal where we visited numerous producers along the coastal region. During shooting, I loved observing the differences between mezcal production in Oaxaca. There was a notable coastal influence in Raicilla; like harpoons used for handling the agave, the coconut shells used for tasting the spirit, and many of their stills are made of hollowed-out tree trunks