Bienvenidos a un nuevo episodio de Global Glug. Hoy nos trasladamos al corazón de Colombia, a Santana, Boyacá, la capital panelera del país, donde una familia de tercera generación está transformando una tradición agrícola centenaria en un proyecto de destilación de vanguardia.
En este episodio, conversamos con Michael Ruiz Pinzón, co-fundador de Aguardiente El Alzador, quien nos revela cómo la Ley 2005 de 2019 (conocida como la "Ley de la Panela") cambió las reglas del juego, permitiendo legalmente a los productores paneleros crear sus propios licores. Michael nos comparte el viaje, lleno de desafíos y aprendizajes, de El Alzador: desde los primeros fracasos técnicos y la construcción de una planta bajo los estrictos requisitos del INVIMA, hasta la creación de un aguardiente de triple destilación con fuego directo, aromatizado sutilmente con anís e hinojo.
Descubrirán por qué la caña cultivada a 1.370 metros de altitud en los Andes ofrece un perfil de azúcares único, cómo el terroir de Boyacá se diferencia de las grandes producciones industriales del Valle del Cauca y cuál es la historia romántica detrás del nombre "El Alzador", un homenaje a los transportadores de caña que son el alma de esta industria.
Un episodio esencial para quienes aman las historias de emprendimiento rural, la destilación artesanal y el futuro del sabor colombiano más allá de las marcas tradicionales.
Puntos Clave del Episodio:
Innovación Legal: Cómo la "Ley de la Panela" abrió las puertas a los pequeños productores campesinos.
Calidad Artesanal: El rigoroso proceso de triple destilación y el uso del bagazo como combustible sostenible.
Identidad y Territorio: La importancia de Santana de Vélez y el uso de una variedad específica de caña.
Desafíos de Mercado: De la burocracia del INVIMA a una estrategia de nicho para competir sin ser un gigante industrial.
Turismo Experiencial: Los planes para abrir las puertas de la destilería al turismo nacional e internacional.
Menciones Especiales: Agradecemos a Michael Ruiz por su transparencia al compartir tanto los errores como los éxitos de este proyecto pionero. Un saludo también a todos los productores de aguardiente artesanal que están abriendo camino en Colombia.
🎧 Escucha ahora y suscríbete a The Global Glug en tu plataforma de podcast favorita para no perderte las próximas historias de bebidas alrededor del mundo.
#PodcastColombia #Aguardiente #DestilacionArtesanal #Boyaca #Panela #EmprendimientoRural #GlobalGlug #HistoriasDeExito #LicorArtesanal #MichaelRuiz #SantanaBoyaca
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

¿Alguna vez has probado un destilado de uchuva, feijoa o un ron de caña de altura producido en los Andes colombianos? 
En este episodio de The Global Glug, viajamos a Guasca, a solo una hora de Bogotá, para visitar la micro-destilería 472 Spirits. Nos sentamos con Luisa Rode, co-fundadora de este proyecto familiar que fusiona la tradición destiladora alemana con la explosiva biodiversidad de Colombia.
En esta entrevista exclusiva descubriremos:
El Origen: Cómo una familia de inmigrantes alemán-venezolanos desafió el monopolio del alcohol en Colombia para crear una de las destilerías artesanales más innovadoras del país.
La Tecnología: Los secretos de su alambique alemán "Mueller" con columna AROMAT, que permite capturar la esencia pura de las frutas tropicales sin perder carácter.
Del Campo a la Copa: La importancia del terroir. Desde la caña de Villeta hasta las frutas de Boyacá y el Llano, apoyando directamente a los agricultores locales.
Mercado Global: Los retos de exportar "alma colombiana" a Europa y Estados Unidos, y cómo lograron abrirse paso en un mercado dominado por grandes industriales.
Futuro: Sus planes para el envejecimiento de destilados de caña y proyectos sostenibles de bio-construcción.
Si eres amante de los destilados artesanales, la coctelería de autor o simplemente te apasiona el emprendimiento en Latinoamérica, este episodio es para ti. Luisa nos cuenta sin filtros la historia detrás de la etiqueta, los desafíos legales superados y por qué el nombre "472" representa el corazón geográfico de Colombia.
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

Did you know that only 2% of the world’s rum is made from fresh sugarcane honey (miel de caña) instead of molasses?
In this episode of The Global Glug, host Renato Molo travels virtually to Rome to meet Filippo Maria Olivi di Briana, the founder of El Supremo Rum. Together, they uncover the hidden gem of the spirits world: Paraguayan Rum (locally known as Caña).
Filippo shares the fascinating journey of bringing this artisanal spirit from the fertile lands of Encarnación, Paraguay, to the premium markets of Europe. Unlike typical Caribbean rums, El Supremo is distilled from boiled sugarcane juice, fermented naturally, and aged statically in local Incienso Marron wood and French Limousin oak. This process creates a uniquely dry, complex, and authentic profile that is reshaping how connoisseurs perceive rum.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Paraguayan Difference: Why Caña Paraguayia is distinct from traditional molasses-based rums and the history of Jesuit distillation in South America.
Terroir & Tradition: The impact of Paraguay’s extreme climate and fertile soil on the sugarcane, and the 100% natural production process with no added sugar or caramel.
Market Insights: Filippo’s recent experiences at major trade fairs like ProWein (Düsseldorf) and the launch in the UK market. We analyze shifting consumer trends towards drier, high-quality spirits and the challenges of distribution in Switzerland vs. the EU.
The Future of El Supremo: Upcoming releases, including a rare 25-year-old expression and a special finish in Armagnac casks.
Storytelling in Spirits: How authenticity, history, and education are key to building a boutique brand in a saturated global market.
Featured Brand: El Supremo Rum (Available in 5, 8, 12, and 18-year-old expressions) Locations Mentioned: Paraguay, Rome, London, Düsseldorf, Lausanne, Lucerne.
Visit El Supremo Rum: www.elsupremorum.com
 
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

Descubre qué es el Viche, su verdadera historia en el Pacífico colombiano y cómo pasó de ser una bebida perseguida a un destilado legal con registro INVIMA. En este episodio de The Global Glug, profundizamos en la transformación cultural y normativa del Viche de Tumaco junto a Onésimo González Biojó, maestro destilador y fundador de Mano de Buey, la primera marca en obtener la certificación sanitaria.
Esta entrevista exclusiva revela los secretos del proceso artesanal del Viche: desde la selección de la caña de azúcar en sistemas agroforestales hasta la fermentación con levaduras silvestres y la destilación única que captura la biodiversidad del Océano Pacífico. Analizamos el impacto de la Ley 2158 del Viche, la reglamentación que dignifica a las comunidades afrocolombianas de Nariño, Cauca, Valle y Chocó, y cómo la ética y la sostenibilidad son el núcleo de la producción moderna.
En este episodio aprenderás:
Origen y Significado: ¿Por qué se llama Viche? Desmentimos mitos sobre la caña verde y exploramos sus raíces matriarcales y africanas.
Marco Legal y Historia: De la persecución histórica y el estigma social a la aprobación de la Ley 2158 y el decreto reglamentario. Entenderás la lucha por el reconocimiento del patrimonio cultural vichero.
Proceso de Producción: Detalles técnicos sobre la extracción del jugo, el uso de la "guía madre", el control de metanoles y el reposo necesario para un destilado de 40° de alta calidad.
Terroir Único: Cómo el clima, la salinidad del mar y la biodiversidad de Tumaco (Nariño) crean un perfil de sabor irrepetible que no puede ser estandarizado ni imitado por la industria masiva.
Ética y Sostenibilidad: La filosofía de Mano de Buey: comercio justo para los campesinos, uso de leña recuperada del mar, conservación de bosques y el compromiso con la economía circular.
Futuro y Exportación: Los desafíos de llevar el Viche a mercados internacionales (Europa, Suiza, EE.UU.) manteniendo su esencia artesanal y el lanzamiento de la Ruta del Viche como experiencia de turismo experiencial.
Si te interesa la gastronomía latinoamericana, los destilados artesanales, la historia de Colombia o los proyectos de emprendimiento social, este episodio es esencial. Onésimo González nos enseña que una botella de Viche no es solo alcohol, es un acto de resistencia, identidad y respeto por la naturaleza.
Invitado: Onésimo González Biojó | Viche Mano de Buey (Tumaco, Colombia)
Enlaces mencionados:
Sitio web de The Global Glug: https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/
Síguenos en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/
Más información sobre la Ley del Viche y cultura afrocolombiana: https://www.mincultura.gov.co/noticias/Paginas/onesimo-el-primer-vichero-con-registro-sanitario-.aspx 
¡Únete a la conversación! ¿Conocías la historia del Viche antes de este episodio? ¿Te gustaría visitar la Ruta del Viche en Tumaco? Déjanos tus comentarios y reseñas en Spotify o Apple Podcasts; tu apoyo nos ayuda a seguir contando historias globales con profundidad.
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

En este episodio de The Global Glug converso con Tomás López, gerente de mercadeo y comercial de Aguardiente Cumbé, un proyecto que busca transformar la manera en que el mundo ve el aguardiente colombiano.Hablamos sobre identidad, tradición, diseño y el reto de crear un destilado artesanal que respete sus raíces, pero hable un lenguaje moderno.
Tomás comparte la historia detrás de Cumbé y cómo un grupo de jóvenes emprendedores está devolviendo dignidad a una bebida profundamente ligada al alma colombiana.
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

En este episodio de The Global Glug, converso con Michael Romero, mejor conocido como Crocomec, creador de contenido y apasionado del ron que llega desde Canadá al Rum Fest de Cartagena.Hablamos sobre sus inicios, su trayectoria en redes, la cultura del ron en Canadá y cómo eventos como el Rum Fest ayudan a conectar a los productores con una nueva generación de entusiastas.Una charla ligera, auténtica y llena de pasión por el ron.
Apoya este proyecto en Ko-fi y sigue The Global Glug para más historias de productores y amantes del ron en todo el mundo.
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

En este episodio de The Global Glug, viajo a Bogotá para conversar con Mauricio Gutiérrez, cofundador de Mil Demonios, el aguardiente colombiano que está transformando la imagen de una de las bebidas más tradicionales del país.
Mauricio comparte su experiencia en la industria de los licores, la historia detrás de la marca, y cómo Mil Demonios rescata la herencia del aguardiente con una propuesta moderna, sin anís, pensada tanto para el consumidor colombiano como para los paladares del mundo.
Hablamos también sobre los desafíos legales, la denominación de origen, y la importancia del storytelling para posicionar a Colombia en el mapa mundial de los destilados.
Para quienes deseen profundizar en la historia de los estancos coloniales y la evolución legal del aguardiente en Colombia, recomiendo leer el documento de Gilma Mora de Tovar, “El aguardiente de caña y los estancos en la historia económica de Colombia”. Puedes consultarlo aquí
Support The Global Glug / Apoya el podcast → Ko-fiEvery rum counts — ¡cada ron cuenta!
Your contribution helps keep independent stories about rum and Latin American spirits alive.Tu apoyo hace posible seguir compartiendo historias auténticas sobre el ron y los destilados latinoamericanos.
 
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

En este episodio —en español— converso con Walter Aguilar, fundador de Luxury Brand Vector y una de las figuras más influyentes en el posicionamiento de destilados premium en América Latina. Hablamos de su trayectoria, desde sus inicios en el mundo del lujo y la perfumería hasta su papel clave en la internacionalización de Ron Zacapa Centenario.
Walter comparte su visión sobre el futuro del ron y los destilados colombianos, el impacto de la nueva ley del viche y los preparativos para el primer Rum Fest Colombia, que se celebrará en Cartagena el 20 y 21 de noviembre de 2025.
Este evento marcará un hito para la industria nacional: una cita que reunirá a productores, expertos y amantes de los destilados en un mismo escenario de aprendizaje y celebración. El Rum Fest Colombia 2025 contará con catas y masterclasses lideradas por figuras como Walter Aguilar, Beatriz Jaramillo, Sandra Chalita, Sharon Montaño y Randolph Ascaris, entre otros, en un encuentro que destacará lo mejor del ron, el viche y las bebidas ancestrales del país.
Más información en www.rumfestcolombia.com/
🎙️ The Global Glug es un podcast multilingüe dedicado a las historias y personas detrás de los grandes destilados del mundo.
Support The Global Glug / Apoya el podcast → Ko-fiEvery rum counts — ¡cada ron cuenta!
Your contribution helps keep independent stories about rum and Latin American spirits alive.Tu apoyo hace posible seguir compartiendo historias auténticas sobre el ron y los destilados latinoamericanos.
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

En este episodio especial de The Global Glug, converso con Randolpht Ascaris, fundador y director del Panama Rum Fest, sobre lo que nos espera en la edición 2025 de este emblemático festival del ron en Ciudad de Panamá. Además, Randolpht nos adelanta todos los detalles del nuevo Rum Fest Colombia, que tendrá lugar por primera vez en Cartagena en mayo de 2025.
Hablaremos sobre la evolución del Panama Rum Fest, un evento que ha crecido notablemente desde su primera edición en 2022. Exploraremos cómo este año se han integrado nuevas categorías de productos como la cachaza y el aguardiente, ampliando así el enfoque hacia otros destilados representativos de América Latina.
Discutiremos la importancia de la educación sobre los procesos de producción, no solo como herramienta para enriquecer el conocimiento del consumidor, sino también como base para una mayor apreciación de la calidad y diversidad de estos productos.
También conoceremos más sobre Randolpht, fundador del festival y galardonado por su libro sobre ron en los Premios Gourmand, así como los planes de expansión del festival hacia Colombia, con Cartagena como primer destino.
Conversaremos sobre el rol de la colaboración entre destilerías y la participación de expertos de la industria del ron en los paneles, lo cual fortalece el impacto y la relevancia del evento. Además, destacaremos cómo destilados ancestrales como el biche están cobrando protagonismo, y cómo la cultura del ron y los destilados latinoamericanos está ganando un espacio merecido a nivel internacional.
Un episodio lleno de contenido para quienes quieren entender el presente y el futuro del ron y los espirituosos en nuestra región.
 
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

In questo episodio de The Global Glug, ci spostiamo in Ticino per incontrare Mattia Regazzoni, in arte L’Alchimista Ticinese. Ex cuoco di ristoranti stellati, oggi Mattia distilla rum ad alto tenore di esteri in stile giamaicano, utilizzando tecniche artigianali, fermentazioni lunghe e legni locali come ciliegio e castagno.
Scopriamo come nasce Blackpaw, il suo rum overproof ispirato ai Caraibi ma radicato nel territorio svizzero, e parliamo di tutto: dalla fermentazione con dunder, ai lieviti selezionati, fino alla verità dietro il famoso mito della “polvere da sparo”.
In questo episodio:– Da chef a distillatore: il percorso di Mattia– Come nasce un rum funky nelle Alpi– Dunder, fermentazioni lunghe e pot still– Il mito della Navy Strength e la leggenda della polvere da sparo– Invecchiamento alternativo con legno di ciliegio ticinese
Segui Mattia su InstagramSeguimi per altre interviste con produttori di distillati da tutto il mondo
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

In this episode of The Global Glug, I chat with Franz Sydow, founder of Papiamento Rum — a premium, small-batch rum brand based in Aruba. Franz takes us through his fascinating journey from Venezuela to the Caribbean island he now calls home, where he and his brothers launched Aruba’s first artisanal rum distillery.
We talk about the challenges of starting a distillery on a small island, sourcing rum from Panama, aging barrels just meters from the sea, and what it means to blend language, culture, and spirit into a single bottle. Franz also shares how they’re creating a full experience: rum tastings, chocolate pairings, even B&B apartments at the distillery.
 Topics we cover:
The story behind the name Papiamento
Blending and aging rum in Aruba’s climate
Building a distillery in a country with no legal framework
The shift from sourcing to local production
Rum tourism and converting bourbon lovers
Why this is more than just a rum brand — it’s a lifestyle
Learn more at Papiamento Rum's website or follow Papiamento Rum on Instagram
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

What happens when the world’s third most-consumed spirit is still unknown to most drinkers outside its home country?
In this episode, I sit down with Leszek Wedzicha, founder of United Brazilian Distilleries and long-time advocate for artisanal Cachaça, to dive into the story behind Brazil’s most misunderstood spirit. From organizing the first-ever Cachaça Festival outside Brazil to traveling across the country in search of small, honest producers, Leszek shares his mission to bring high-quality Brazilian rum to the world — and the many cultural, legal, and marketing challenges that come with it.
We talk about terroir, native woods, regulations, sipping vs mixing, and why it’s so difficult to sell a product people can’t even pronounce. Plus, Leszek shares a few exciting releases — including a 35-year-old Cachaça aged in Balsam wood — and a surprising collaboration with Charanda producer Miriam in Mexico.
🎙️ Available now on all podcast platforms.
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

En este episodio recibo a Miriam Paola Pacheco de Casa Tarasco para adentrarse en el mundo de la Charanda, una bebida espirituosa única de México. Juntos exploramos su definición, sus raíces históricas y los tradicionales métodos de producción que la distinguen. Miriam comparte la rica herencia de Casa Tarasco y su papel en la preservación de esta joya cultural.
La conversación también aborda temas como los retos en el cultivo de caña de azúcar, la importancia de los ingredientes locales y las innovaciones en el mercado, como la Charanda infusionada con hongos. Además, Miriam ofrece su visión sobre el futuro de esta bebida en el mercado global y la necesidad de adaptarse a las preferencias de los consumidores sin perder su esencia tradicional.
 
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

There’s a quiet revolution brewing on Colombia’s Pacific coast—one that’s centuries in the making. It’s the story of Viche, a sugarcane spirit deeply rooted in Afro-Colombian tradition, and the movement to protect its legacy from exploitation, erasure, and industrialization.
In this episode, I sit down with John Coffey of La Vichería in Cali to explore the cultural and spiritual significance of Viche, a traditional Afro-Colombian spirit. We talk about:- The untold history of Viche: From its West African origins to its survival through slavery and Colombia’s jungles- Why Viche is more than a drink: Its role as medicine, ritual, and cultural anchor for Afro-Colombian communities- The 2021 Ley del Viche: How activists fought (and won) legal recognition against corporate trademarking- Las Maestras Vicheras: The women preserving this craft and why their knowledge is irreplaceable- La Vichería’s social business model: Fair trade, community reinvestment, and the challenges of bringing Viche to the world
We also explore:
-John’s unlikely journey—from filming documentaries in Caquetá to co-founding a Viche revolution in Cali
-The brutal reality of artisanal production (three-day canoe trips, hand-pressed sugarcane, jungle distilleries)
-Can Viche go global without losing its soul? The fine line between celebration and exploitation
-My own encounter with Viche in the Pacific—sipping curado under marimba music, learning from the Maestras
Links & Resources:
-Visit La Vichería website
-Learn about Petronio Álvarez Festival (August, Cali)
Have you tried Viche? What does cultural preservation in spirits mean to you? 
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com

In questo episodio, esploriamo la storia di Esperia Rhum, il progetto rivoluzionario di due giovani italiani, Manuel Barison e Francesco Crippa, che hanno deciso di sfidare le convenzioni creando un rum di altissima qualità… in Trentino!
Scopriremo:- Come è nata l’idea di produrre rum in Italia, lontano dalle tradizionali zone caraibiche- Il segreto della materia prima: il succo di canna da zucchero proveniente da Marie-Galante- La scienza dietro la fermentazione e la distillazione, con l’aiuto dell’esperta Anna Ostrovskyj- Perché il clima italiano e i lieviti enologici locali fanno la differenza nel gusto- Le sfide di lanciare un rum artigianale in un mercato dominato da vino e grappa
Una storia di amicizia, innovazione e passione, che unisce il meglio dei Caraibi alla precisione italiana. Se ami i distillati o semplicemente apprezzi le storie di imprenditoria coraggiosa, questo episodio è per te.
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our newsletter at The Global Glug so you never miss an episode.
About The Global Glug The Global Glug is a podcast exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of rum and sugarcane spirits. Through conversations with distillers, founders, and industry voices from around the world, the show goes beyond the bottle to uncover the stories behind the spirits. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast to never miss a new conversation from the global rum community. Sharing the podcast with fellow rum lovers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts helps the show grow and keeps these conversations alive. You can also support the podcast and help keep these conversations going here:https://ko-fi.com/theglobalglug Explore more episodes and discover voices from across the rum world. More information and episodes:https://theglobalglug.podbean.com/ Follow The Global Glug:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theglobalglug/Ideas, suggestions, or interested in being a guest on the show?Get in touch: renato.molo@etik.com