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
How to Taste Aguardiente Like a Connoisseur with Bacan
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 fromfirst-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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
Bacan at LAFS Miami 2025: Celebrating Latin American Fashion
Paradise Plaza in the Miami Design District became the heart of LAFS Miami 2025, a three-day celebration of creativity, heritage, and Latin American style. Designers from Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and other countries showcased exclusive pieces that highlighted fine craftsmanship, bold identity, and refined taste. This year, Bacan, the premium Colombian aguardiente redefining its category worldwide, proudly sponsored the entire LAFS Miami 2025 pop-up. It also supported the closing celebration at The Temple House in Miami Beach. A Gathering of Latin American Talent LAFS Miami 2025 offered visitors a curated look at the region’s most exciting designers. They presented a wide selection of garments, jewelry, handbags, accessories, and limited-edition artworks. Each piece reflected the richness of Latin American culture and the creativity driving today’s fashion industry. Bacan matched this artistic energy perfectly. As a spirit crafted with clarity, intention, and purity, Bacan embodies the same values found in the designers of LAFS Miami 2025: authenticity, craftsmanship, and bold reinvention. Bacan: The Spirit of the Summit Throughout all three days of LAFS Miami 2025, Bacan welcomed guests, designers, and industry leaders with its signature tasting experience. Attendees enjoyed Bacan’s award-winning organic, kosher, and vegan aguardiente. Each sip offered a clean, smooth, and elevated expression of Colombian heritage. Because of this experience, Bacan became the spirit that connected creators, entrepreneurs, and fashion lovers. Every pour reflected what Bacan represents: celebrating Latin American excellence with elegance and modernity. A Shared Mission: Elevating Latin American Creativity Bacan’s presence at LAFS Miami 2025 was more than sponsorship. Instead, it represented a shared mission. Both Bacan and LAFS work to bring Latin American culture — its talent, flavors, and artistic voice — to a global audience. Although fashion and spirits belong to different worlds, they share a strong link through identity, craft, and expression. At LAFS Miami 2025, Bacan stood beside designers who are reshaping the future of Latin American fashion, just as Bacan is redefining what aguardiente can be. A Celebration of Excellence From Paradise Plaza to The Temple House, Bacan’s presence at LAFS Miami 2025 honored creativity, community, and Latin American pride. The event celebrated outstanding visionaries, and Bacan raised a glass to each one of them — supporting their journeys and honoring their impact. Bacan will continue championing the talent that inspires and elevates Latin America. Because, just like the designers of LAFS Miami 2025, Bacan is not here to follow trends. Bacan is here to create them.
Can Your Aguardiente Say This? The Unique Characteristics of Bacan
When people think of aguardiente, they picture a traditional Colombian drink shared with friends, music, and celebrations. Yet not every aguardiente is the same. Bacan Guaro, a premium Colombian aguardiente, transforms this tradition with purity, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Let’s explore the qualities that make Bacan stand apart. 1. Only Three Ingredients: Pure, Simple, Authentic Bacan uses just three ingredients: organic sugarcane, Spanish star anise, and purified water. Nothing else enters the bottle. This deliberate simplicity highlights the natural sweetness of sugarcane and the herbal freshness of star anise, creating a spirit that feels genuine and refined. 2. First-Pressed Organic Sugarcane Juice Unlike many spirits that rely on processed sugars or molasses, Bacan begins with first-pressed organic sugarcane juice. By choosing this method, the distillers preserve the highest quality of the cane. As a result, Bacan delivers a fresher profile and supports sustainable farming practices. 3. Distilled Five Times To achieve exceptional purity, Bacan undergoes five careful distillations. Consequently, Bacan feels smoother on the palate and finishes elegantly. 4. Handcrafted and Bottled with Care Every bottle of Bacan is more than just a spirit; it’s a piece of artistry. The production is 100% artisanal, ensuring quality and authenticity at every step. Each detail, from the liquid inside to the distinctive design outside, reflects the brand’s mission: to honor Colombian tradition while elevating it to a global premium standard. 5. No Added Sugar, Flavors, or Colors Unlike many other spirits, Bacan contains no added sugar, flavors, or artificial coloring. What you taste is exactly what nature and craftsmanship create. This purity not only enhances flavor but also makes Bacan a better fit for those seeking a cleaner and more transparent spirit. 6. Certified for Today’s Lifestyle Bacan is vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and low calorie — making it one of the most inclusive spirits available. Whether for health-conscious consumers, those with dietary restrictions, or simply people looking for authenticity in their drinks, Bacan ensures aguardiente is accessible without compromise. 7. An Award-Winning Spirit Redefining Aguardiente Bacan has already earned international awards for innovation and quality. These recognitions prove that aguardiente can compete with — and even surpass — other premium global spirits. Above all, Bacan demonstrates that Colombian tradition can evolve into a world-class experience. The Future of Premium Colombian Aguardiente Is Here From its organic ingredients to its artisanal production, Bacan is not just another aguardiente — it’s a statement. A statement that tradition can be honored while being elevated. So the next time you ask yourself: “Can my aguardiente say this?” — you’ll know Bacan already does.
