Ola Sol Launches Humo: A Unique Agave Wine with Mezcal Essence

Ola Sol, a Los Angeles-based winery, has recently unveiled its latest creation, Humo, a wine made entirely from agave. This innovative product captures the smoky flavor profile and structural integrity typical of mezcal, allowing it to stand out in a diverse beverage market. With a strategic distribution partnership with Union Beer/Blueprint Spirits in New York, Humo is now accessible to a wider audience.

Humo is crafted entirely from Espadín agave, which is cultivated in the rich soils of Oaxaca, Mexico. Its flavor is enriched by the incorporation of mezcal brandy distilled from the same agave. This process results in a wine that not only boasts a unique smoky taste but also provides a completely new product category. This innovative approach presents an opening for bars and restaurants that are unable to serve traditional mezcal or tequila due to licensing restrictions, thus giving them a legal alternative for their cocktail offerings.

The wine's distinctive profile is achieved through a meticulous production process. The agave is roasted in underground clay ovens for about five days, which infuses it with that signature smoky essence. The agave is then crushed using a traditional tahona, fermented naturally for around 15 days, and finally distilled in copper stills. It’s worth noting that the smoke flavor comes not from any added ingredients but from the cooking method used on the agave, making Humo genuinely unique.

Humo is positioned perfectly to meet the increasing demand for dark, full-bodied cocktails, especially as seasons change. According to industry statistics, California alone has nearly 27,000 active licenses that could empower venues to serve Humo, while New York is home to over 5,000 wine-licensed establishments. This accessibility positions Humo as a versatile ingredient in cocktails such as the “Oaxaca Old Fashioned”, “mezcal negroni”, and “mezcalitas”, all compliant with existing liquor laws.

The product specifications for Humo are compelling:

- 100% Espadín agave from a single estate in Oaxaca
- 24% alcohol by volume in a 750ml bottle
- Just 45 calories per fluid ounce
- Free from additives and kosher certified

The partnership with Union Beer/Blueprint Spirits will foster growth opportunities in one of New York’s most competitive beverage markets. Óscar Delgado, head of wine and spirits at Blueprint Spirits, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting that it provides a high-quality base for cocktails aimed at licensed establishments.

Ola Sol emerged onto the scene in 2024, and has since championed the agave wine niche, creating beverages that maintain the essence of tequila and mezcal while fitting into the wine category. Their flagship Blanco tequila, made with Blue Weber agave from Jalisco, has garnered acclaim, receiving a 93-point rating from Wine Enthusiast. Alongside Humo, Ola Sol also offers ready-to-drink margaritas, all of which are vegan, gluten-free, and crafted without additives.

As Humo becomes more available across California, New Jersey, and New York, it looks set to redefine how consumers explore agave-based cocktails without navigating the usual licensing hurdles. With its unique flavor profile and innovative approach, Ola Sol's Humo is not just a product; it's a step forward in agave-based beverages, expanding the reach and enjoyment of this cherished spirit.