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

Orlando Vásquez distills The Rums of Mexico Cana Cristalina Rum from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice in Veracruz, using a four-plate continuous copper still heated entirely by firewood. Bottled at 98.8 proof without filtration or additives, this unaged aguardiente preserves the raw, farm-to-bottle intensity that defines traditional Mexican cane spirits. Vásquez works with two naturally high-yielding cane varieties grown in Veracruz's volcanic coastal soils, and the spirit captures a vegetal, funky terroir profile few Caribbean rums attempt. Vásquez is a second-generation cane farmer and first-generation distiller working outside the town of Veracruz, where sugarcane cultivation dates back to the colonial era. He ferments the fresh-pressed caldo — Spanish for "juice" — quickly, distills in a simple copper column still, and bottles the spirit immediately with no barrel aging, no blending, and no cosmetic adjustments. The firewood heat source contributes a subtle campfire smoke note that threads through the entire profile. 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. 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. In stock at Off Premise in Lincoln Park.