Thanks to Bacan Guaro for sending me samples to try in exchange for a fair and unbiased review of the Colombian Spirit now available in Florida.
If you have never heard of aguardiente, it is a beloved part of Colombian culture. When translated, aguardiente means "fire water." The spirit, known for its potent kick, is commonly consumed as a shot in social gatherings and celebrations. But there is a new aquardeinte in Florida and It's this week's Fabulous Find.
It has a distinctive black licorice or anise flavor. Most spirits I've tried with flavors of anise are a little overpowering for me. This one is not. It's nicely balanced and has a sweet finish
More About The New Colombian Spirit Now Available In Florida
Bacan Guaro is co-founded by Floridians Diana Espinosa March and Ricardo March, allthough Diana is originally from Colombia. They crafted their award-winning aguardiente to be so smooth and flavorful that it's not only good as a shot but can also be enjoyed slowly on its own, over ice, or mixed into a cocktail.
Launched in Florida this summer, Bacan means "cool" or "awesome" in Colombian slang. It's made in small batches from organic sugarcane juice and organic Spanish star anise. The ingredients are slowly blended with water to create two versions.
Bacan 24 is 48 proof with an ABV of 24%. It smells like citrus with sweet anise and tastes like it too. Flavors of black licorice linger especially as it warms up in the glass.
Bacan 29 is 58 proof with an ABV of 29%. Surprisingly it feels lighter and cleaner. Flavor notes are similar but there seems to be more herbal qualities. ,
Both are kosher, sugar free, vegan, and low calorie.
Cocktail Recipe For The New Colombian Spirit Now Available In Florida
Guarorita Pa’ Ahorita Created by Gabe Urrutia
- 2 oz BACAN 29%
- 1 oz lime juice
- .5 oz Ancho Reyes Verde
- .5 oz real mango purée
- .5 oz agave nectar
- Dehydrated lime wheel, Tajin, Mango slice (optional garnishes)
Prepare a double rocks glass with a Tajín rim. Shake all ingredients with ice until well chilled. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with dehydrated lime wheel lime, if using, and mango slice sprinkled with Tajín
This is a unique spirit. It adds a spicy kick to cocktails and feels good as a digestive. Keep it on your bar cart for something different or give as a gift to the cocktail aficionado who has everything.
