The Rums of Mexico (700 ml) Cana Cristalina Rum, Veracruz (98.8 proof)

Orlando Vásquez distills this unaged aguardiente from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice in Veracruz, using two naturally high-yielding cane varieties and a four-plate continuous copper still heated by firewood. The Rums of Mexico Cana Cristalina Rum is bottled at 98.8 proof without filtration or additives, preserving the raw, farm-to-bottle character that defines traditional Mexican cane spirits. Caldo — Spanish for "broth" or "juice" — refers to the fresh cane juice itself, and this expression captures the vegetal intensity and terroir of Veracruz's volcanic coastal soils in a way few Caribbean rums attempt. Orlando Vásquez is a second-generation cane farmer and first-generation distiller working outside the town of Veracruz, where sugarcane has been cultivated since the colonial era. The Rums of Mexico project documents five expressions from four distillers across three Mexican states, and this bottling represents the coastal Gulf lowlands where humidity, altitude, and mineral-rich soils yield cane with pronounced earthy and funky fermentation characteristics. Vásquez ferments the fresh-pressed juice quickly, distills in a simple copper column still, and bottles the spirit immediately — no barrel aging, no blending, no cosmetic adjustments. The firewood heat source adds a subtle campfire smoke note that threads through the entire profile. The nose opens with lime, green apple, black pepper, and unmistakable campfire smoke layered over earthy, vegetal funk. The palate is thick and oily, delivering brine, lime pith, truffle, charcoal smoke, and wild blackberry jam in a savory, high-proof wave. The finish is long and complex, echoing soursop, lime, earth, smoke, and dark berry fruit. This is a spirit for drinkers who appreciate terroir-driven, high-proof expressions with real personality — excellent neat, over a large ice cube, or in bold cocktails where its funky, smoky profile can anchor the build. Pair it with grilled pork, mole negro, or aged cheese to match its savory intensity. Available for pickup at our Lincoln Park bottle shop at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.