Pulque Hacienda 1881 Natural 6Pk

Pulque Hacienda 1881 Natural 6Pk is a pasteurized fermented agave sap beverage from Tlaxcala, Mexico, at 5% ABV, sold as a six-pack of cans. As one of only two widely distributed pulque brands available outside Mexico, it offers a rare opportunity to experience a pre-Hispanic drink with roots stretching back thousands of years.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Tlaxcala, Mexico  |  Style: Natural (Unflavored) Pulque  |  Producer: Procesadora de Pulque SA de CV

Production & Heritage

Pulque is among the oldest fermented beverages in the Americas, made from the aguamiel (fresh sap) of the maguey agave plant. At Procesadora de Pulque SA de CV, tlachiqueros — highly skilled workers trained in the centuries-old practice of sap extraction — harvest the aguamiel by hand from agaves grown in the state of Tlaxcala, a region historically associated with pulque production. Because traditional fresh pulque spoils within days, Hacienda 1881 is pasteurized and canned for export, a necessary step that extends shelf life while preserving the core character of the drink. The "Natural" designation means this expression contains no added fruit or flavoring — it is 100% fermented agave sap.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Lightly yeasty and vegetal, with a subtle tartness reminiscent of natural fermentation. A faint sweetness from the agave sap lingers beneath the surface.

Taste: The entry is thin and mildly tart, with a distinctive milky, slightly viscous mouthfeel that sets pulque apart from beer or cider. Mid-palate, the fermented agave character comes forward — tangy, lightly sour, and faintly sweet, with an earthiness that reflects its raw-plant origins. There is no carbonation, giving it a still, almost silky texture.

Finish: Short to medium, with a lingering lactic tang and a dry, slightly chalky close. The aftertaste carries a mild sourness characteristic of naturally fermented beverages.

How to Drink Hacienda 1881 Natural

Serve chilled directly from the can or poured into a glass. Pulque is traditionally consumed on its own, and the Natural expression is best approached as a standalone tasting experience. To follow Mexican tradition, blend it with fresh fruit puree to create a curado — mango, guava, or pineapple are classic choices and soften the tartness. It also works in a Pulque Margarita, where its tangy body replaces some of the citrus sharpness. For a simple highball, mix with a splash of fresh lime juice and agave nectar over ice for a refreshing warm-weather drink.

Best For

• Exploring pre-Hispanic Mexican beverage traditions firsthand
• Hosting a tasting night centered on agave-based drinks beyond tequila and mezcal
• Introducing adventurous drinkers to a rare fermented category
• Pairing with traditional Mexican street food at a casual gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hacienda 1881 Natural taste like? It has a mildly tart, lightly sour flavor with a distinctive milky, still texture and subtle agave sweetness — unlike beer or any conventional fermented drink, with no carbonation.

How does Hacienda 1881 compare to Nectar Del Razo? Both are among the only pasteurized pulque brands widely available outside Mexico. Nectar Del Razo is often cited alongside Hacienda 1881 as a direct competitor, though availability and flavor nuances may vary slightly between batches due to the nature of agave sap fermentation.

Is Hacienda 1881 Natural good for beginners? It is an acquired taste with a flavor profile and texture that differ significantly from beer, cider, or wine; curious drinkers should approach it as an entirely new category rather than comparing it to familiar beverages.

Where is Hacienda 1881 made? It is produced by Procesadora de Pulque SA de CV using agave sap sourced from the state of Tlaxcala in central Mexico, a region with deep historical ties to pulque production.

What foods pair well with Hacienda 1881 Natural? Tacos al pastor, where the pork's sweetness contrasts the pulque's tang; fresh ceviche, which echoes its acidity; barbacoa, whose rich lamb fat is cut by the drink's sourness; elote (Mexican street corn), whose creaminess complements the milky texture; and mole dishes, whose complexity matches pulque's earthy depth.

What sizes does Hacienda 1881 come in? The Natural expression is commonly sold in a six-pack of cans for the U.S. and export markets, as fresh unpasteurized pulque cannot survive shipping.

Is Hacienda 1881 Natural worth the price? It positions as an affordable, entry-level introduction to a rare beverage category with very few commercially available alternatives outside Mexico, making its value largely tied to its novelty and cultural significance rather than conventional flavor benchmarks.

Why Hacienda 1881 Natural?

Pulque remains one of the least accessible traditional fermented drinks in the world — fresh versions spoil within days and rarely leave the pulquerías of central Mexico. Hacienda 1881 Natural is one of only two brands that have successfully brought pasteurized pulque to international markets, making it a genuine rarity on shelves. The 100% natural, unflavored expression provides the most direct representation of what aguamiel tastes like after fermentation, without fruit or sweetener masking its character. For anyone serious about understanding the full spectrum of agave-based beverages — from blanco tequila to ancestral mezcal to pulque — this is the missing piece most drinkers have never tried.