Cocuy

Cocuy is a traditional spirit that is made from Agave cocui, a green agave variety that is mostly found in the states of Lara and Falcón. The heads of the agave are first roasted in underground pits and then turned into a mash that is later distilled.

Although it dates from pre-Columbian times, when it was used as medicine and in various rituals, from the mid-20th century the production of cocuy was illegal, presumably as was an effort to boost rum and beer trade. However, the changes in the law in 2007 permitted several artisanal producers to produce cocuy legally.

Because of the use of agave and similar techniques of production, cocuy is often compared to tequila and mezcal, as it displays a similar smoky and fruity character. Sometimes it is infused with botanicals, mixed with fruit juice, or aged in wood.

Cocuy can be enjoyed neat, but it also incorporates well into cocktails and mixed drinks. Cocuy pecayero, a variety from the Pecaya municipality (Falcón) is the first Venezuelan spirit that has been awarded a status of controlled designation of origin.