Each country has its own national liquor or drink. The one of Colombia is schnapps, without a doubt the most emblematic and beloved alcoholic drink. Join us on this journey through Colombian lands to find the heat and the taste of its best spirits.
First of all, it must be clarified that brandy (known by different names in different parts of the world), is a drink as old as it is widespread. It's known that it was already distilled in medieval times. The name "burning water" referred to its high alcohol content, which made it a flammable substance. Another friendlier name that was also used and continues to be used is "water of life" (water of life), which evokes its spirit content.
La sugar cane, originally from Southeast Asia, came to America at the hands of the Spanish. The cane distillates gave rise to various liqueurs such as ron in the Caribbean region and the cachaça in Brazil. In the case of the Andean regions, the result was brandy. The widely held belief that Colombian brandy originates from an earlier Quechua drink is nothing more than a myth.
The first distillery in Nueva Granada dates from no less than 1784: the “Real Fábrica de Destilaciones del Nuevo Reino”, in Villa de Leyva. After independence, the Colombian state regularized the production of brandy, prohibiting artisanal manufacture.
Characteristics of Colombian brandy
The typical Colombian brandy is obtained from a base of 94% or 96% concentrated alcohol distilled from sugar cane. This alcohol is very dry, but it is softened with anise essences and sugar syrup. Each producer has its own recipe and each region its own taste.
It can be difficult for a lay drinker to find nuances and differences. Unlike other drinks such as whiskey, brandy (also called guar) does not offer obvious aromas or flavors. This does not mean that the utmost care is not taken to respect the quantities and proportions that give this drink its most authentic essence, on the contrary. It does take, yes, a well-trained sense of smell and palate to capture and enjoy them.
The brandy is consumed in Colombia in many ways
When tasting a good Colombian brandy, it is necessary to take into account his high graduation. It is possible that the first drink "burns" the mouth, but in the following ones you can already begin to appreciate the warmth and nuances that we referred to in the previous paragraph.
It is also fair to point out that Colombian brandy does not come from Colombia one hundred percent. In most cases, the anise with which it is manufactured is made with essential oils imported from Spain; on the other hand, cane alcohol (called taffia in the jargon of the producers) comes mostly from Ecuador.
Best brands
There are many recognized brands of Colombian brandy. The brandy Antioquia It is one of the most famous both inside and outside the country's borders. It is produced at the Antioquia Liquor Factory (FLA) from molasses, honeys and cane sugar, offering three varieties: blue cap, red cap and green cap. We must also highlight a premium variety called Royal brandy 1493 with sophisticated aromas and carefully packaged in a luxurious glass bottle where a sugar cane and an anise flower are engraved.
The best brands of Colombian brandy
Antioqueño's main competitor at the national level is brandy Nectar, distilled in Cundinamarca. This brand also offers an exclusive variety of brandy called Premium nectar, with a sweeter and smoother flavor.
Recently the brand has also become popular A thousand demons, in the city of Cartagena de Indias. This rum boasts of being made following the old recipe for clandestine liquor from the colonial era. It may just be a hype, but why not give it a try?
Other brands of brandy very popular in Colombia are Valle Blanco, Caucano, Cristal, Leader, Llanero, Nariño, Origin, Platinum y Three corners, among many others. This liquor is produced in 16 of the 32 departments of the country, so there is a lot to choose from.
How to drink brandy
To this question, almost all Colombians will answer without a moment's hesitation that, above all, one must drink the brandy "in good company." It should be remembered that it is a high alcohol drink that should be consumed in moderation. These are the most common formulas:
- Shot (shot), in very small glasses. It is more pleasant served at a cold temperature, although on the other hand, part of its citrus and fruity sensations are lost.
- In short glass, optionally accompanied by a touch of water or soda and topped with a small lemon wedge.
- In long glass, with lots of ice and accompanied by tropical fruit or citrus juices.
To accompany the brandy, experts advise consuming tropical fruits in small portions. Coconut and orange also "marry" well with this drink.
In Colombia we have a variety not only of flora and fauna but also of culture: each region is identified by its folklore, its gastronomy and its customs
In Boyacá for example: we have in Tunja, the Boyacá liquor factory, where Lider brandy, Onix black seal and Rum Boyacá are produced.
There are places of tourist interest such as Villa de Leyva, Tensa Valley, Paipa, Tunja. Here are places of interest that date back to the colony such as the Santiago Apostol Metropolitan Basilicia Cathedral, the House of the Founder Captain Gonzálo Suárez Rendón, the House of the Escribano Juan de Vargas, the house of the Hinojosa that gave much to talk about in the colony, the Regional Archive of Boyacá that has a great history, the Pozo de Hunzahúa or Donato well, the devil's cushions, a place where the Chibchas worshiped the sun and the moon every day and made sacrifices to their deities, the monument to the Wheat that according to history was where wheat was sown for the first time in America in colonial times.
Antioqueño brandy how to drink it