The Data

Category   Aguardiente

Sub-Category   Guaro

Origin   Valle del Cauca, Cali

Retail Price   $54.99

ABV   Varies%

Score   4 Stars/Exceptional!

In the Glass

Brilliant, crystal clear.

The nose is filled with the scents of star anise and slate with marzipan and hints of chamomile.

The palate echoes the nose, delivering a dry, anise-focused core with generous flavors of black licorice, blanched almonds, and citrus zest accents.

Medium-bodied and ideally balanced with dry spice and mineral notes.

Cool Factor

We love upgraded versions of rustic, ethnic classics when done right with respect and humility. The Bacan Guaro has achieved this standard, and it's ultra cool.

Value Grade

This super gift set allows the adventurous spirit fan to experience an artisan version of a cultural classic without a sizable investment. We are fans.

Analysis

Forget what you think you know about Aguardiente, as Bacan is flipping the script. Aguardiente, which translates to “fire water,” is a rustic spirit that originally hails from the Iberian peninsula and is popular throughout South America. In Colombia, Aguardiente is commonly called Guaro. Guaro is made from fermented sugarcane juice with the addition of anise. It’s most often consumed as a shot in social settings. Bacan, which translates to “cool” or “awesome,” is an elevated version of traditional fire water. It is made with first-press organic sugarcane juice, organic Spanish star anise, and water. Bacan Guaros is presented in two expressions that differ only by their proof strengths — just five degrees of alcohol-by-volume (abv) separates them. The Bacan 24 (bottled at 24% abv) is pleasingly, lightly sweet with bright anise and citrus notes. The Bacan 29 (bottled at 29% abv) is a bit earthy, peppery, and herbal. Examining the contrast of these two lovely spirits is as fun as it is educational. The Bacan Guaros are terrific served as a traditional shot, but they are also great in cocktails, pairing well with citrus and tropical fruits — they love a bubbly addition like soda or sparkling wine.

How to Enjoy

Sip as a shot served at room temperature or chilled. The Bacan Guaro is also great in cocktails, pairing well with citrus and tropical fruits — they love a bubbly addition like soda or sparkling wine.