Review Bacan Guaro Aguardiente – Bacan 24 and Bacan 29
Aguardiente, the traditional Colombian spirit, makes its inaugural appearance on Drinkhacker thanks to Bacan Guaro, a premium brand that arrived on U.S. shores for the first time earlier this year. Aguardiente — colloquially known as guaro — is made from fermented sugarcane and is often flavored with anise, but even though it translates as “firewater,” aguardiente is actually rather tame. Bacan Guaro’s two expressions are 24% and 29% abv respectively.
Bacan is made from first-press organic sugarcane juice, organic Spanish star anise, and water. We received both strengths for review (note that the bottles are not well-labeled, so we’ve included the color of each below to help you distinguish them). Here goes:
Bacan 24 Aguardiente (green bottle) – The bold licorice nose approximates a fresh fennel salad, with a bit of orange peel and peppery grains of paradise. Dry on the palate and quite tame at just 24% abv, it drinks a lot like a pastis with water added — refreshing, gently sweet, and touched with a light hand of licorice candy. At this proof, there’s not much of a finish to speak of, making this a good choice if you want a cleansing, but anise-touched experience. 48 proof. B+
Bacan 29 Aguardiente (orange bottle) – Similar, but more aggressive on the nose — punchier anise over fennel, with a hint of ground coffee and an herbal finish. Again, there’s just a little more (welcome) bite on the palate, which layers in herbal rosemary, some toasted coconut, and a spritz of lemon. Drier than the 24, and even cleaner on the finish. 58 proof. B+
each $50 (700ml) / bacanguaro.com
Bacan 29 Aguardiente
$50
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