How cool to have come across Peruvian Cañazo Distillery and we didn't even know what Cañazo was when we found this place! Complicated, isn't it? Anyways, it's such a cool experience that we had at Destilería Andina (Andina Distillery) at El Albergue Farm in Ollantaytambo, Cusco, Peru.
Destilería Andina (Andina Distillery) at El Albergue Farm, Ollantaytambo
At the secret hidden gem, we found in Ollantaytambo, the farmland, El Albergue Farm with load tons of cute animals like alpacas, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks and maybe some other ones hidden just like this Destilería Andina.
An old wooden building just right by the Mayu Coffee Roastery that doesn't seem so interesting from outside but once we stepped inside, you have no idea what's coming. All these gigantic copper alembics which we found out later was handmade in Portugal.
Peruvian Cañazo
Andina Distillery distill a Peruvian spirit called 'Cañazo', a transparent spirit made from sugar cane. It has been produced in the Andes since the 16th Century.
Cañazo tastes quite strong but people drink it straight in a shot anyways and some mix it with soda.
Peruvian Cañazo at Destilería Andina (Andina Distillery)
Thanks to André Querol, a master distiller who happened to be at the distillery the day we visited El Albergue Farm. André explained everything and what's going in the distillery.
Cañazo at Destilería Andina under the brand name 'CAÑA ALTA' is produced from freshly harvested and squeezed sugar cane juice, not from molasses or sugar like the majority of rums. A smooth and clean young spirit that will continue to mature with time. Each batch has a taste profile that is defined by the harvest and origin.
They do not just distill but also experiencing new things along the way. With the fish, I'm not too sure but to soak so much charcoal (from cooking Pachamanca) in the alcohol for days to take out the unwanted tastes is really interesting. I'm not quite sure as I don't know much about any alcohol in general but after Kev gave it a try he said 'It's the smoothest he's ever had!'
The guinea pig killer!
MATACUY is the reason why they started with Destilería Andina (Andina Distillery). MATACUY means 'Guinea pig killer'. It is a compound, a traditional digestive made of Peruvian botanists without any chemicals. The recipe of MATACUY was developed 35 years ago by Wendy Weeks, the El Albergue Farm's owner.
I have tried a few of them or actually all they have to offer at the moment including the guinea pig killer, MATACUY. All are really strong yet smooth. A few minutes after though, I felt the heat and my throats are all warm.
Anyway, it's a lovely experience and I consider ourselves dang lucky to have come across this farm and some extra bonuses that come with it. If you ever have a chance to go visit Ollantaytambo or Cusco, Peru in general, I'm telling you, 'Don't miss El Albergue Farm!'
Destilería Andina
El Albergue Farm, Cuzco, Ollantaytambo 08675, Peru
Official site: https://www.destileriaandina.com/
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