Review by: The Auditor
We have something very unique here in my glass thanks to a local friend. This is a Destilado Artesanal De Cana Amarilla from Colombia. This bottling is done by a very small but organized entrepreneur that has several bottlings from across the Colombian Pacific. This particular bottling was distilled by the Community Council of Santa Ana on the Saija river in the state of Cauca.
This source of this is local cane juice, pressed on site by a small trapiche. Fermented for 2 weeks, then distilled on a small steel pot still. It is then bottled at still strength.
It should be noted that Viche can only be called Viche when it was made by Afro Colombian communities on the Pacific coast of the country, somewhat akin to a GI.
Region: Colombia
ABV: 44%
Age: Unaged
Nose: Olives, Fennel, Star Anise, Vegetal, Lime Juice, Antiseptic, Tomatoes, Basil, Cardamom, Beef Bouillon, Faint Campfire Smoke
Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Fennel, Lime Juice, Iodine, Vinegar, Tomato, Basil, Allspice, Beef Bouillon
Finish: Long length finish, Beef Bouillon, Fennel, Lime Juice, Iodine, Tomato, Basil, Allspice, Lemon, Campfire Smoke
Conclusion: I never thought I’d be sitting here drinking fresh pressed cane juice rum from Colombia and it blowing me away, and well here we are. This stuff is up there in terms of wild savory rums, echoes of Mezcal, Rivers, Mhoba, etc is the flavor profile we have going on here for me. Loads of spices, meats, faint smoke, fruits, cleaner. Not to mention the 44% distillation proof is so flavor dense that it boggles the mind. Truly one of the more unique bottlings I have had, and one I wish I could get my hands on.
Final Score: 91
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 