Empirical Vacuum Distilled Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirits

Empirical Doritos Nacho Cheese is a vacuum-distilled spirit made in collaboration with Doritos — capturing the umami, tangy, corn-forward flavor of Nacho Cheese Doritos in liquid form, at 42% ABV.

Empirical is a Copenhagen flavor company known for low-temperature vacuum distillation, which preserves delicate aromatic compounds that conventional heat distillation would destroy. This release began, by the brand’s own account, when a team member tossed a bag of Doritos into the still during early R&D — the result was so recognizable the team burst out laughing. Doritos hit every flavor point people crave: umami, salt, a sweet-and-sour tang, and a touch of bitterness. The spirit is built on a base of malted barley fermented with Belgian saison yeast, with Doritos Nacho Cheese as the defining flavor input.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Umami and tangy nacho cheese
• Palate: Corn tostada and deeper chip-forward flavors
• Finish: Soft, salty close

Specs

• Producer: Empirical, Copenhagen
• Style: Vacuum-Distilled Flavor Spirit
• Base: Malted barley, Belgian saison yeast
• Flavor: Doritos Nacho Cheese
• ABV: 42%
• Notes: No sugar added; not suitable for vegans

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does it taste like?

It opens with umami and tangy nacho cheese aromas, moves into corn-forward tostada flavors, and finishes on a soft, salty note — recognizably Doritos in liquid form.

How is it made?

By low-temperature vacuum distillation, on a malted-barley base fermented with Belgian saison yeast, using Doritos Nacho Cheese as the flavor input. Vacuum distillation preserves aromatics that heat would destroy.

How should I serve it?

Neat or over ice to taste it straight, or use it as a savory, umami twist in a Margarita or Bloody Mary.