The worm has turned for Mexican vodka Villa Lobas

A new Mexican vodka containing a worm has been officially launched by specialist spirit importer and distributor, Wine and Spirit International (WSI).

Villa Lobas, a premium vodka from South East Mexico, is the latest addition to WSI's eclectic spirit portfolio and is thought to be the first vodka to contain an agave worm.

Referred to as the "gusano" by the Mexicans, the agave worm is more traditionally found in Mexican spirits such as Mezcal, a rough and ready version of tequila.

It is claimed that the agave worm, actually the larva of the night butterfly, boasts mystical powers and was reputedly regarded by ancient warriors as a powerful aphrodisiac.

However despite suggestions of hallucinogenic properties, the agave worm's biggest strength today is as a marketing tool, especially in a UK market that can't seem to get enough of combining alcohol with creepy crawlies.

In addition to a range of Mezcal and tequila brands containing a worm, last month saw the launch of Skorppio Vodka, a triple distilled vodka that comes with a real scorpion in the bottom of the bottle. Fortunately, the scorpions are cooked for several minutes to remove the poison before they are submerged in the spirit.

Villa Lobas is distilled five times and packs a potent punch with an ABV of 45 per cent. Vodka expert Ian Wisniewski described the brand as "mellow but perky on the palette with fresh graininess, opening up to a lightly spicy kick and a gently smokey sweetness with a meaty hint."

No mention of the worm, though.