For many people, aguardiente is synonymous with music, celebration, and tradition. It’s a drink that accompanies gatherings, memories, and culture. But beyond its festive reputation, aguardiente has a depth that few take the time to explore. Like any premium spirit, it offers aromas, flavors, textures, and sensations that deserve to be appreciated — not rushed.
If you’ve ever wondered how to taste aguardiente with intention and sophistication, this guide will show you exactly how. And there’s no better example than Bacan, a premium Colombian aguardiente crafted from organic ingredients and celebrated worldwide for its purity, elegance, and character.
Whether you’re a long-time aguardiente lover or someone discovering the category for the first time, this step-by-step tasting ritual will elevate your experience.
Aguardiente: More Than a Celebration Drink
Aguardiente has long been at the heart of Colombia’s identity. Yet, despite its cultural importance, many people simply drink it without experiencing it.
True tasting — degustación — invites you to appreciate the spirit behind the spirit:
the craftsmanship, the ingredients, the aromas, and the sensory story in every sip.
This is especially important with a premium product like Bacan, made from
first-pressed organic sugarcane, Spanish star anise, and purified water, with no added sugars, colors, or artificial flavors. Its clean profile and artisanal production make it ideal for a more refined tasting approach.
In short: Bacan isn’t meant to be rushed. It’s meant to be enjoyed.
How to Taste Aguardiente Like a Connoisseur: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s the complete ritual — simple, sensory, and memorable.
1. Observe the Look: Purity Speaks First
Every great tasting begins with the eyes.
Pour a small amount of Bacan into a clear glass — ideally a tulip glass or small snifter.
Hold it against the light and notice:
- its crystal clarity
- its brightness
- the slow, elegant legs on the side of the glass
Bacan’s purity is the result of its organic ingredients and meticulous distillation process.
A clear, clean aguardiente signals high quality and careful craftsmanship.
2. Smell the Aromas: Let the Spirit Open Up
Aguardiente aromas tell the first part of the story.
Gently swirl the glass to release the botanicals. Then bring it to your nose and inhale lightly.
Keep your mouth slightly open — this reduces alcohol shock and helps aromatics flow.
With Bacan, you’ll likely notice:
- the herbal freshness of Spanish star anise
- subtle sweetness from organic sugarcane
- delicate floral or earthy notes from artisanal distillation
This moment prepares your palate for what’s next.
3. Taste the First Sip: Let It Speak
Take a small sip and allow it to coat your tongue.
Don’t rush. Let it rest, breathe, and reveal itself.
Pay attention to:
- its initial sweetness
- its warmth
- the smooth texture
- the harmonious herbal notes
Because Bacan is crafted with only three natural ingredients and no additives, the flavor profile feels clean, balanced, and authentic. This is the moment when you start to understand the difference between simply drinking and truly tasting.
4. Evaluate the Mid-Palate: Where Complexity Lives
After the first sip, take another — this one deeper and more intentional.
Here is where aguardiente shows its personality:
- Does it expand on the tongue?
- Do the anise notes grow richer or more subtle?
- Does the sweetness come from nature or added sugars?
- Does it remain smooth or become aggressive?
With Bacan, the mid-palate unfolds gradually.
The organic sugarcane provides a natural softness, while the botanical notes bring depth and structure.
5. Notice the Finish: The Final Impression
A great spirit leaves a lasting memory.
As you swallow, pay attention to the finish:
- Is it warm or harsh?
- Does it linger pleasantly?
- Do the herbal notes remain balanced?
- Does it invite another sip?
Bacan offers an elegant, warm finish with a clean aftertaste — a direct result of its purity and five-time distillation process. It leaves the palate refreshed, not overwhelmed.
Bacan Elevates the Art of Tasting Aguardiente
Learning how to taste aguardiente turns a simple drink into a refined sensory ritual.
It allows you to recognize the purity of organic ingredients, the finesse of artisanal production, and the cultural heritage behind Colombia’s most iconic spirit.
With its clean profile, natural aromas, and award-winning quality, Bacan stands as the perfect example of what a premium Colombian aguardiente can be.
Next time you pour yourself a glass, slow down.
Observe. Smell. Taste. Enjoy.
Discover Bacan — and experience aguardiente the way it was meant to be savored.
