Agave Adventures in Mazatlan

18 December 2013

travelandescape.ca 

Adrienne Brown

Here’s an adventure for your next Mexico vacation: tequila tasting and thrillseeking, all in one place. (Just don’t throw up on the zipline.)

Much the same way sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it’s from the Champagne region in France, blue agave liquor can only be called tequila if it’s from the Tequila region in Jalisco, Mexico—but that doesn’t mean other regions aren’t also producing top-quality spirits.

Mazatlan, Mexico, for example, is home to the Los Osuna Agave Azul plantation and distillery. Not only do they grow all the blue agave (a large, spiky plant that looks similar to aloe) they need for production, but they cook, mill, ferment and reduce it on site too: blue agave spirit from start to finish. They also invite visitors to tour the facilities, no matter whether it’s the off season or they’re making spirits full-force.

Credit: Adrienne Brown

Before you can toss back a few sample shots, though, the Huana Coa Canopy Adventure team wants to take you for a ride around the distillery’s property so you can get a feel for the size of the operation and what they do, and have a little fun.

Choose from the following to get your heart rate up, then calm your nerves afterward with a tour and tasting!

Ziplining

This is Huana Coa’s signature adventure. Zip and fly through the canopy and over the agave plants before planting your feet back on terra firma.

Horseback Riding

Looking for something a little more laid-back than ziplining? Hop on a horse and take a tour of the plantation at a slightly slower pace.

ATV

Prepare to get dusty! You’ll kick up plenty of dust as you make your way around the trails of the plantation and get the lay of the land.

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After you explore the property, it’s time for your tour and tasting. First, walk through the distillery while your guide breaks down the process step-by-step. Next, belly up to the bar and sample some Los Osuna for yourself. Note how smooth it is compared to the cheap tequilas you probably find in your local liquor store back home. Just remember to take it a bit easy—it’s a long, bumpy ride back to your resort!