bacan PRESS

For years, Latin American spirits were often associated with cheap tequila shots, sugary aguardiente, and mass-produced rums—but that narrative has changed. Over the past decade, Latin America has gone premium, and its spirits are leading a global shift toward craftsmanship, terroir-driven production, and complex aging techniques. From luxury mezcals and extra-añejo tequilas to refined aguardiente and terroir-focused rums, Latin spirits are now competing with high-end whiskey, cognac, and gin. Consumers are paying attention—and so is the industry. What’s Behind the Latin Spirits Boom? Several factors have fueled the rise of premium Latin American spirits: A Demand for Authenticity and Craft: Drinkers today want handmade, small-batch spirits that reflect a sense of place. Latin American producers are leaning into organic farming, traditional distillation methods, and unique aging techniques to create spirits with real depth and character. Cocktail Culture Celebrates Latin America: High-end bars are redefining classic cocktails with premium tequila, mezcal, and now aguardiente. Bartenders are swapping gin for aguardiente in a Negroni or mezcal for bourbon in an Old Fashioned. Global Expansion: Exports of Latin American spirits are booming, especially in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. As cocktail culture flourishes and drinkers crave authentic, regionally expressive spirits, producers are innovating to meet local palates—offering everything from low-ABV formats to cask-aged releases that speak to global tastes without losing their roots. Where Latin Spirits Go From Here? Five Spirits Leading the Premiumization Wave 1. Tequila: From Party Shot to Collector’s Pour Tequila has become a luxury item, and the rise of extra añejo (aged over three years) is pulling whiskey drinkers into the category. 2. Mezcal: The Cult Favorite Goes Mainstream Mezcal’s smoky, terroir-driven profile has made it a darling of the cocktail world. 3. Aguardiente: A Classic Spirit Gets a Modern Makeover Long considered a local Colombian favorite, aguardiente is now making its way onto Michelin-starred cocktail lists. Premium brands like Bacan Guaro are pushing the category forward with clean, high-quality expressions made from organic ingredients—but without added sugar or artificial flavors—appealing to modern drinkers. 4. Cachaça: Brazil’s Underrated Spirit Goes Premium Cachaça is finally stepping out of the Caipirinha-only box and being recognized as a sipping spirit. Aged expressions—matured in Brazilian hardwood barrels—are gaining a cult following. 5. Latin American Rums: Competing with the Best Guatemala, Venezuela, and Panama are leading the premium rum movement with single-estate and long-aged expressions that rival high-end whiskey. Latin American spirits have undeniably gone premium, and the industry isn’t slowing down. Here’s what’s next: The Bottom Line Latin spirits are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Whether it’s a 15-year-old cachaça, a smoky wild-agave mezcal, or an award-winning sugar-free aguardiente, these spirits are proving they belong on the top shelf—and in your glass.

Bacan Guaro is anything but ordinary. This luxury libation seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, embodying a modern lifestyle. As the first Colombian aguardiente that is sugar-free, vegan, kosher-certified, and made from organic ingredients—including first-pressed organic sugarcane juice—Bacan exists in a class of its own. FIRST PUBLISHED BY: The Rum Lab | February 11, 2024. Produced in small batches, Bacan’s distinctive flavor, aroma, and texture result from its high-quality ingredients and expert production methods. One key difference is the family’s choice to use organic Spanish star anise rather than the more common anise seed, enhancing its enticing aroma, captivating flavor, and refined texture. Read the full story here.

Colombia’s National Spirit Splashes Into US Market; How Bacan Guaro Aims to Popularize Rum’s Boundary-Pushing Cousin
BY BOTTLERAIDERS.COM

Modern taste of Colombia Aguardiente, commonly referred to as “guaro” in Colombia, is a clear spirit that encapsulates the essence of Colombian culture. Crafted from water, distilled sugarcane, and anise, this iconic drink is deeply rooted in tradition yet has evolved with modern tastes. From Sugarcane to Spirit: A Taste of Colombia’s Heritage The production of aguardiente starts with sugarcane, a crop that thrives in Colombia’s tropical climate. Once harvested, the sugarcane is crushed to extract its juice, which is either used as-is or boiled into molasses—a traditional ingredient in many Colombian aguardientes, imparting a strong, slightly bitter flavor. This molasses is mixed with water and left to ferment for days, converting sugars into alcohol. Traditional aguardiente typically had a 40% ABV, but most modern varieties sit around 29%. After fermentation, the spirit is distilled, and anise is added, giving aguardiente its signature spiced flavor. The final product, a fiery, aromatic spirit, is often enjoyed as a chilled shot during celebrations, making it an essential part of the Taste of Colombia.   A Modern Aguardiente: Bacan Guaro’s Unique Craft Bacan Guaro is redefining aguardiente by focusing on pure, organic ingredients and a meticulous production process. Using only the finest organic sugarcane juice—not molasses—Bacan Guaro offers a softer, smoother palate that lets the natural sweetness of the sugarcane and the herbal notes of anise shine. Available in both 24% and 29% ABV, Bacan Guaro undergoes a slow triple-distillation process, resulting in an exceptionally refined spirit. What sets Bacan Guaro apart is the use of pure, filtered water sourced from Las Hermosas National Nature Park in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. This dedication to quality, from ingredient selection to production, ensures that each bottle of Bacan Guaro offers an elevated experience, presenting aguardiente in a new light. Where Does Guaro Belong? Aguardiente often finds itself compared to rum, vodka, and even tequila, but Bacan Guaro stands in a league of its own. While both rum and aguardiente are derived from sugarcane, the addition of anise gives aguardiente a more floral, spiced profile. Though aguardiente shares some similarities with cordials and liquors, its higher alcohol content and shot-drinking tradition set it apart from lower-ABV, syrupy drinks. Visually, a clear aguardiente can resemble vodka, but the distinct anise flavor makes it far more complex. Similarly, though aguardiente and tequila are both culturally significant spirits, aguardiente’s sugarcane base and aromatic character provide a different tasting experience compared to tequila’s earthy agave roots. Aguardiente: Redefined by Bacan Guaro Traditionally associated with lively celebrations, aguardiente has sometimes been seen as a drink for rapid consumption. Bacan Guaro is transforming this narrative by offering a more refined, sophisticated version of this beloved spirit. With its commitment to organic ingredients and a carefully crafted production process, Bacan Guaro is elevating aguardiente while preserving its deep connection to Colombian heritage. Bacan Guaro isn’t just another spirit; it’s a modern Taste of Colombia—a cultural treasure redefined for today’s discerning drinkers. Whether you’re new to aguardiente or a seasoned fan, Bacan Guaro invites you to experience aguardiente like never before.