Aguardiente Amarillo de Manzanares 750ML

Aguardiente Amarillo de Manzanares 750ML is a golden Colombian anise spirit bottled at 24% ABV (48 proof) in a 750ml format. Awarded two stars from the International Taste Institute (ITI) in Brussels — certified by world-leading chefs and sommeliers — this expression stands apart for a distinctive yellow hue rooted in its traditional distillation process.

Quick Facts: ABV: 24%  |  Origin: Manzanares, Caldas, Colombia  |  Oak-Aged Anise Spirit  |  Producer: Industria Licorera de Caldas

Production & Heritage

Industria Licorera de Caldas, the state-owned distillery of Colombia's Caldas department, produces Aguardiente Amarillo de Manzanares using time-honored methods in the mountainous town of Manzanares. The spirit is distilled from sugarcane molasses byproducts blended with virgin honey and sugar, then flavored with anise essence and matured in oak barrels. Its signature golden color — the "amarillo" — is a natural result of a distillation process that intentionally does not reach full purity; what might be considered an imperfection in other spirits became the defining hallmark of this expression, distinguishing it from Colombia's more common clear aguardientes.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh and aromatic, opening with bright anise and a backdrop of herbal, almost pastoral notes. A gentle sweetness from the oak aging rounds out the nose, suggesting honey and warm spice.

Taste: The entry is sweet and notably fresh, giving way to a mid-palate of medium-intensity aniseed that builds gradually. An underlying alcoholic warmth provides structure without harshness, while subtle oak influence adds a layer of depth not typically found in the aguardiente category.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, herbal fade and a lingering anise sweetness. The oak contributes a gentle, dry texture at the close that keeps the finish balanced.

How to Drink Amarillo de Manzanares

Traditionally served neat and well-chilled, often as a shot alongside Colombian meals or celebrations. It also works over ice, which tempers the anise and lets the oak character emerge more clearly. For cocktails, try it in a Highball with soda water and a lime wedge, where the anise brightness shines against effervescence. It also performs well in a Cóctel de Aguardiente — shaken with fresh lime juice and simple syrup for a Colombian twist on the classic sour template. A Refajo-style mix with Colombian beer and a splash of this aguardiente creates a refreshing, low-ABV long drink ideal for warm weather.

Best For

• Sharing at Colombian-style gatherings and family celebrations
• Introducing friends to authentic aguardiente culture
• Pairing with traditional Latin American cuisine
• Gifting someone who appreciates distinctive, award-winning spirits from South America

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Amarillo de Manzanares taste like? It delivers a sweet, fresh anise flavor with moderate intensity, supported by herbal notes and a subtle oak-derived warmth from barrel aging.

How does Amarillo de Manzanares compare to Aguardiente Cristal? Aguardiente Cristal is a clear, unaged aguardiente from Caldas with a devoted following for its clean anise profile, while Amarillo de Manzanares distinguishes itself with oak aging and a golden color that adds warmth and depth to the palate. Both are produced in the Caldas department, but the Amarillo expression occupies a more traditional, rustic niche in the category.

Is Amarillo de Manzanares good for sipping neat? Yes — at 24% ABV it is approachable enough for straight sipping, especially when served chilled, which is the most traditional way to enjoy Colombian aguardiente.

Where is Amarillo de Manzanares made? It is produced by Industria Licorera de Caldas in the town of Manzanares, located in the Caldas department of Colombia's coffee-growing region in the central Andes.

What foods pair well with Amarillo de Manzanares? Empanadas, where the anise cuts through fried-dough richness; grilled chorizo, whose smokiness contrasts the spirit's sweetness; bandeja paisa, Colombia's hearty platter of beans, rice, and pork; fresh ceviche, where the herbal notes complement citrus-marinated seafood; and dark chocolate, which mirrors the oak undertones.

What sizes does Amarillo de Manzanares come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Amarillo de Manzanares worth the price? It positions as an accessible, value-tier aguardiente that punches above its price point thanks to oak aging and ITI recognition — a strong entry for anyone exploring the category beyond standard clear expressions.

Why Amarillo de Manzanares?

The two-star Superior Taste Award from the International Taste Institute in Brussels validates what Colombian aguardiente drinkers have long known: this golden spirit occupies a unique space. Its color is not artificial — it is the direct result of a traditional distillation technique that preserves character other producers filter away. Oak barrel aging, rare among mass-market aguardientes, adds a textural dimension that bridges the gap between a simple anise shot and a spirit worth contemplating. For drinkers seeking an authentic piece of Colombian drinking culture with verifiable international recognition, Amarillo de Manzanares delivers something genuinely different.