Viche Puro Rio Saija

Review #1043; Rum #371

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: 8/10

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect


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