Empirical Ayuuk (50cl, 43%)

Empirical Ayuuk is a smoky, savoury spirit built on a single botanical: the Pasilla Mixe chilli from Oaxaca, Mexico. The chilli is macerated in a spirit made from Danish heritage purple wheat and pilsner malt, then the best fractions rest in an Oloroso sherry cask. Empirical is a Copenhagen flavour company known for an unconventional approach to distillation. The chilli is the sole botanical and the origin of the spirit's complexity. Serve over ice with ginger beer, as the producer recommends. Earthy, dark red fruit and smoke lead, with a smooth, savoury finish from the sherry cask.