Los 2 Compadres Distillery is 1st Recognized Whiskey Producer in Mexico Erin Staley - PV Guide
go to original October 22, 2012

Jalisco may be known for its tequila, but there’s a new liquor in town: Destileria Los 2 Compadres Whiskey.

The story began before the days of Prohibition. Larry Dorwart’s family had dabbled in the art of making moonshine. The tradition had been passed down from generation to generation. Soon, it was Larry’s turn to share his family’s passion for spirits, but this time, it would be in another country.

Hailing from Alberta, Canada, Larry and his wife, Eve, headed for the sunny shores of Banderas Bay. The plan was to retire, but it wasn’t long before they found their calling, Mexican whiskey.

The Dorwart’s found a place in the small village of Boca de Tomatlan (just 15 km south of Puerto Vallarta). It was the perfect site for their new distillery.

Larry set up the small still he had purchased from the States and designed a second still using local materials. What is considered to be the first recognized whiskey production company in Mexico, Destilería Los 2 Compadres boasts of double distilled, hand-crafted whiskey made from the finest ingredients here in Jalisco.

Together with their small staff, the Dorwart’s launched Destilería Los 2 Compadres at the De Santos Playboy Bunny party in June of this year. Then on July 5, they invited the community to a whiskey tasting event at Murphy’s Irish Pub. Guests were treated to whiskey samples, an overview of the hand-crafted process and a specialty drink menu including limonadas, frozen whiskey sours and even Manhattans – all featuring Los 2 Compadres’ whiskey.

According to Los 2 Compadres, their Single Cask Sour Mash Whiskey is the pride of their distillery. It is made from 100% Azteca Maize corn whiskey and once aged to perfection, has ‘subtle notes of vanilla, caramel and chocolate with [a] slightest hint of sweet berries.’ Gringo Larry’s Shine is a younger version of the Sour Mash Whiskey. Aged in toasted oak barrels, this traditional style of corn whiskey offers a sharper flavor that is ‘smooth on the palette and pleasing to the senses.’

Both the Single Cask Sour Mash Whiskey and Gringo Larry’s Shine are carefully crafted on site using a type of corn native to the Sierra Madres. The sun and humidity contribute to the fermentation process. The whiskey is then left to ‘rest’ in custom-charred White oak French barrels for the better part of a year. Once the small whiskey batch is checked for quality, it is hand-filled in special bottles, capped and ready for purchase.

To learn more about Larry’s whiskey, visit Destilería Los 2 Compadres in Boca de Tomatlan.

Both the Single Cask Sour Mash Whiskey and Gringo Larry’s Shine Whiskey can be found in Old Town Puerto Vallarta at Murphy’s Irish Pub, Steve’s Bar and Grill, or at the Saturday Co-op market at Paradise Community Center. Or, should you find yourself in Petersburg, West Virginia, stop in at 3rd Base Sports Bar and Grille and try a sample of Los 2 Compadres Whiskey.

Salud!

  Learn about Paradise Church