Bacan at BCB Brooklyn 2026: An Immersive Colombian Experience
Bar Convent Brooklyn is one of the world’s leading events for the spirits industry. At Bacan at BCB Brooklyn 2026, the brand offered much more than a traditional tasting. Visitors explored Colombia through aromas, organic ingredients, signature cocktails, and storytelling. Every stop showed how a premium Colombian aguardiente can connect people with culture, quality, and innovation. Bacan at BCB Brooklyn 2026 Began at the Source Instead of inviting guests to sample cocktails immediately, Bacan introduced them to the origin of every bottle. The journey started with a tasting of 100% organic sugarcane juice. It introduced visitors to the ingredient that gives Bacan its unique character. Many sugarcane spirits begin with molasses. Bacan, however, uses fresh organic sugarcane juice. This choice preserves the purity, freshness, and natural flavor of the spirit. As a result, visitors gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every bottle before taking their first sip of Bacán. Discovering Colombia Through Aroma One of the highlights of Bacan at BCB Brooklyn 2026 was the brand’s custom aroma station, developed in collaboration with a Colombian flavor specialist. Guests explored five aromatic accords that represented Bacan’s production journey: Brand ambassadors guided visitors through each aroma using scent strips while explaining how every ingredient contributes to Bacán’s clean and refined profile. How Bacan Brought Colombia to Life at BCB Brooklyn 2026 The sensory journey continued with a spectacular 10-foot LED screen behind the bar. The one-minute film transported visitors across Colombia’s breathtaking landscapes. Images of endless sugarcane fields, majestic jaguars, emeralds, orchids, and lush tropical scenery reflected the country’s natural richness while telling Bacan’s production story. The visual experience also introduced Bacan’s signature cocktails and reinforced the brand’s commitment to celebrating Colombian heritage through a modern, premium spirit. Together, the storytelling, visuals, and atmosphere transformed the Bacan booth into one of the show’s most memorable destinations. Signature Cocktails That Captured Every Guest After completing the immersive experience, guests finally arrived at the tasting bar. Visitors enjoyed Bacan neat, as a traditional shot, or through two signature cocktails created to showcase the spirit’s versatility. The Colombian Espresso celebrated two of Colombia’s greatest treasures: premium Colombian coffee and Bacan Guaro. Finished with a Colombian flag garnish, it quickly became one of the most photographed cocktails during the event. Meanwhile, the Spicy Watermelon surprised visitors with its fresh and contemporary profile. The cocktail paired Bacan with fresh watermelon, an ingredient still uncommon in many classic cocktail menus. The result was refreshing, modern, and easy to enjoy. Bartenders, buyers, and consumers all responded enthusiastically. Together, both cocktails demonstrated that premium Colombian aguardiente belongs behind the world’s best cocktail bars. Building New Relationships Across the Industry Beyond the tasting experience, Bacan at BCB Brooklyn 2026 created valuable connections throughout the beverage industry. Visitors received exclusive Bacan insulated cooler bags that quickly became one of the event’s favorite giveaways. At the same time, distributors, bartenders, buyers, media representatives, and hospitality professionals visited the booth to learn more about the brand. During the first day of the exhibition, Bacan received a special industry recognition that reflected the impact of its innovative approach to experiential marketing, education, and storytelling. Why Bacan at BCB Brooklyn 2026 Stood Out The spirits industry continues to evolve, and today’s consumers expect more than exceptional products. They want authenticity, memorable experiences, and meaningful stories. Bacan embraced that philosophy throughout BCB Brooklyn 2026. Instead of focusing only on tastings, the brand invited visitors to understand where Bacan comes from, how it is crafted, and why Colombia inspires every bottle. Every detail—from the aroma station and immersive video to the cocktails and educational conversations—reinforced Bacan’s commitment to premium quality and Colombian heritage. An Experience That Lives Beyond Brooklyn Bacan at BCB Brooklyn 2026 proved that a premium spirit can create lasting memories long after the final cocktail is served. Because Bacan isn’t simply introducing a new spirit. It is introducing the world to Colombia—one unforgettable sip at a time.
The Future of Aguardiente as an Undiscovered Spirit: Insights from the Miami Rum Congress
At this year’s Miami Rum Congress, one seminar stood out for its bold vision and strategic relevance: “The Future of Aguardiente as an Undiscovered Spirit.” Led by Ricardo March, Founder of Bacan Guaro, alongside industry voices Julio Molano (Aguardiente Desquite) and Jose Brignoni (Aguardiente Antioqueño), the session explored a powerful question: Can aguardiente become the next great global premium spirit? The answer, according to the panel, is yes — if the industry works together to elevate and solidify the category. A Spirit Rich in Culture, Yet Undiscovered Globally Aguardiente remains one of Latin America’s most culturally significant spirits. Deeply rooted in Colombian heritage, it plays a central role in celebrations, family gatherings, and national identity. However, despite its strong cultural foundation, aguardiente has not yet achieved the same global recognition as tequila or mezcal. During the seminar, the panel emphasized that aguardiente sits at a unique crossroads. On one hand, it carries centuries of tradition. On the other, it has enormous potential to evolve through modern production methods, premium positioning, and contemporary branding. Learning from Tequila and Mezcal One of the key discussions during the Miami Rum Congress seminar centered on the trajectory of tequila and mezcal. Both spirits were once perceived primarily as local or regional products. Yet over the past two decades, they transformed into global premium categories. Through quality improvements, storytelling, regulatory protection, and strong branding, tequila and mezcal expanded far beyond their origins. The panel suggested that aguardiente could follow a similar path. To do so, the industry must: Aguardiente, they argued, should not abandon its roots. Instead, it should refine and present them in a way that resonates with global audiences. Ricardo March: A Vision for Category Building Ricardo March brought more than theory to the conversation — he brought decades of experience. With over 20 years in the global wine and spirits industry, Ricardo began his career in 1996. He later held key roles at RNDC and co-founded Giowine in 1999. From 2001 to 2020, he served as Vice President of Sales North America at Varela Imports, where he led the growth of a strong spirits portfolio across the United States. In parallel, he oversaw sales and marketing for Beni di Batasiolo in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, further strengthening his strategic leadership in beverage alcohol. In 2024, Ricardo and his wife, Diana Espinosa March, launched Bacan Guaro. For Ricardo, however, the mission extends beyond one brand. Solidifying Aguardiente in the United States The core message of the seminar was clear: aguardiente is a promising and underdeveloped category in the U.S. market. Yet no single brand can build the category alone. Ricardo emphasized that all aguardiente producers must work together to establish awareness, credibility, and premium perception. By presenting a unified front, brands can educate distributors, retailers, bartenders, and consumers about what aguardiente truly represents. This collaborative approach mirrors how tequila and mezcal gained traction. Category growth benefits everyone. Therefore, the objective is not simply to sell bottles. The objective is to position aguardiente as a legitimate and exciting option within the broader premium spirits landscape. Modern Production Meets Cultural Identity Another major theme of the seminar focused on balancing innovation with heritage. Modern distillation techniques, organic ingredients, small-batch production, and clean labeling can elevate aguardiente’s quality perception. At the same time, the spirit must maintain its cultural roots. Aguardiente tells a story of Colombia and Latin American identity, celebration, and community. That narrative remains its strongest asset. However, premium packaging, thoughtful branding, and international awards can help translate that story to new audiences. “The Future of Aguardiente as an Undiscovered Spirit” was more than a seminar title. It was a call to action. As global consumers continue seeking authentic, story-driven spirits, aguardiente stands ready to claim its place. With leaders like Ricardo March advocating for collaboration and category development, the spirit may soon follow the same trajectory as tequila and mezcal. The future of aguardiente is not just promising — it is unfolding. And at the Miami Rum Festival, that future began to take shape. Photos: Moises Vivas & Laura Montes | By Vibras
Bacan Guaro: Aguardiente Redefined
Bacan Guaro is a premium organic aguardiente redefining Colombian tradition. Crafted with first-press sugarcane juice and Spanish star anise, it’s smooth enough to sip neat or mix into cocktails. Available in 24% and 29% ABV, Bacan delivers sophistication and versatility, introducing the world to a refined take on Colombia’s iconic “guaro.”
BY: LUXURY LIFESTYLE.
