Hacienda Coloma distillery

Introduction to Hacienda Coloma

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Hacienda Coloma is a Colombian artisanal distillery that sits at the crossroads of tradition and innovation in the world of rum production. Nestled in the lush, tropical landscape of Colombia’s coffee region, this distillery has earned recognition for creating exceptional spirits that capture the essence of their terroir while honoring centuries-old distillation techniques.

The distillery operates on a working hacienda (estate) that seamlessly integrates rum production with coffee cultivation, creating a unique synergy between two of Colombia’s most celebrated exports.

Why we have a soft spot for Hacienda Coloma

At Vault of Spirits, we’re drawn to distilleries that tell a compelling story through their products, and Hacienda Coloma does exactly that. Their approach to rum-making stands out for its use of high-quality sugarcane cultivated in ideal growing conditions, combined with aging techniques that incorporate the estate’s coffee expertise.

Their commitment to sustainable production methods and preservation of Colombian distilling heritage makes each bottle not just a fine spirit, but a cultural ambassador for a region often overlooked in the premium rum conversation.

The History Behind Hacienda Coloma

Origins and Development

Hacienda Coloma’s story as a distillery is deeply intertwined with Colombia’s agricultural history. The estate itself dates back to colonial times, originally established as a coffee plantation in the 19th century. The transition into rum production came as a natural evolution, utilizing the estate’s existing agricultural expertise and the region’s ideal climate conditions.

Over the decades, what began as small-scale production primarily for local consumption has developed into a respected operation that preserves traditional methods while implementing modern quality standards that allow their products to compete on the international stage.

The People Behind

Today, Hacienda Coloma is managed by a dedicated family team who view themselves as custodians of both the land and the traditions it represents. Their approach combines respect for Colombia’s distilling heritage with progressive thinking about sustainability and innovation.

Master distillers at Hacienda Coloma work closely with the estate’s agronomists to ensure that every stage of production, from crop to bottle, maintains the highest standards while minimizing environmental impact.

The Craft and Production

From Raw Material to Finished Product

The production journey at Hacienda Coloma begins with carefully selected varietals of sugarcane grown on the estate and surrounding farms. The cane is harvested at peak ripeness to ensure optimal sugar content and flavor development.

After pressing, the fresh cane juice is fermented using proprietary yeast strains that have been cultivated over generations. This fermentation process is where Hacienda Coloma truly distinguishes itself, allowing for extended fermentation periods that develop complex flavor compounds.

Distillation takes place in both traditional copper pot stills and more modern column stills, giving their master blenders a diverse palette of distillates to work with when creating their expressions.

Aging and Maturation

What truly sets Hacienda Coloma apart is their innovative approach to aging. Their rums mature in American oak barrels that previously held bourbon, but with a Colombian twist – many of these barrels are first seasoned with the estate’s own coffee, creating a subtle but distinctive flavor profile not found elsewhere.

The tropical climate of the region accelerates the aging process, creating rich, complex spirits in a fraction of the time required in cooler regions. The high altitude of the aging warehouses introduces interesting temperature variations that contribute to the rum’s character.

Selected Products from Hacienda Coloma

Reserva Especial – An introduction to the house style

This flagship expression perfectly captures Hacienda Coloma’s distinctive approach to rum production. Aged for 8 years, it offers notes of caramelized sugar, ripe tropical fruits, and subtle coffee undertones, all wrapped in a smooth, medium-bodied palate that makes it approachable for newcomers while offering enough complexity to interest experienced rum enthusiasts.

Edición Limitada – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking to explore the upper echelons of Hacienda Coloma’s capabilities, this limited-edition expression offers a more intense experience. Aged for 12-15 years in specially selected casks, it delivers a fuller body with pronounced notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, dried fruits, and oak spice. The higher proof (45% ABV) provides an excellent platform for these complex flavors to shine.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

Hacienda Coloma offers immersive tours that guide visitors through both their coffee and rum production facilities. The experience provides a rare opportunity to understand how these two agricultural products define Colombian culture and how they complement each other in production.

Tastings typically include 4-6 expressions, ranging from unaged distillates to their premium aged offerings, allowing visitors to appreciate the full evolution of their products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hacienda Coloma?

Hacienda Coloma is a Colombian distillery that produces premium rums with a distinct approach that incorporates coffee production techniques into their rum-making process. Their philosophy centers on creating spirits that authentically represent Colombian terroir and agricultural traditions while meeting international quality standards.

Where is Hacienda Coloma located?

The distillery is located in Colombia’s coffee-growing region, specifically in the department of Cundinamarca. This high-altitude tropical setting provides ideal conditions for both sugarcane cultivation and rum maturation, lending their products a unique character that reflects this specific microclimate.

What characterizes Hacienda Coloma?

Hacienda Coloma is particularly known for its innovative coffee-influenced aging process, sustainable agricultural practices, and preservation of traditional distillation methods. Each bottle reflects a harmonious balance between honoring Colombian rum traditions and pioneering new approaches to flavor development.

Where can I buy rum from Hacienda Coloma?

Select bottles from Hacienda Coloma are available at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their offerings to bring you both their core expressions and limited-edition releases, ensuring you have access to these distinctive Colombian spirits that might otherwise be difficult to source.