Rum 101: what is aguardiente?

July 15, 3:17 PMRum ExaminerRobert A. & Robert V. Burr

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Aquardiente is a spirit fermented and distilled from fruit, most often sugar cane. The name can be translated to burning water or fire water.

Cristal Aguardiente from Colombia is
distilled from sugar cane with a slight
flavoring of anise.
Photo by Robert Burr.

Aquardiente spirits are not aged. Their simple distillation process retains robust flavors of the vegetal matter used.

In Columbia, aguardiente is usually flavored with anise. Each region of the country produces their own spirit which cannot be exported to other regions. In the Andean region, the spirit is often enjoyed straight. In the Caribbean regions, where rum is more popular than aguardiente, the local spirit is more likely to be mixed in cocktails.

Perhaps the most popular aguardiente enjoyed in the U.S. is Cristal (made from sugar cane and labled guaro), produced in Manizales, Colombia by Industria Licorera de Caldas. A variety of flavors have been introduced into Cristal products in recent years including peach, orange and lime.

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Rum Basics: what is rum?

 
Robert Burr
National Rum Examiner
Gifted Rums Guide
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