Pomalca distillery

Introduction to Pomalca

A distillery with a passion for craft

Pomalca is a Peruvian distillery that represents the perfect fusion of centuries-old tradition and modern craftsmanship in the world of sugarcane spirits. Located in the historic Pomalca region of northern Peru, this distillery has established itself as a guardian of authentic Peruvian rum production, creating expressions that capture the essence of its terroir and cultural heritage.

The distillery operates within one of Peru’s oldest sugar estates, utilizing the fertile lands of the Lambayeque region to produce spirits that reflect the unique microclimate and soil conditions of this coastal area.

Why we have a soft spot for Pomalca

At Vault of Spirits, we cherish distilleries that honor their roots while looking toward innovation, and Pomalca exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. What sets Pomalca apart is their commitment to traditional distillation methods using locally grown sugarcane varieties that have adapted to the specific conditions of northern Peru’s coastal valleys.

Their dedication to maintaining batch production, careful fermentation practices, and minimal intervention during aging delivers an authentic expression of Peruvian rum that stands distinctly apart from its Caribbean counterparts.

The Story Behind Pomalca

Origins and development

The Pomalca estate dates back to colonial times, but the distillery as we know it today emerged in the mid-20th century. The region has a rich history of sugarcane cultivation spanning over 400 years, originally established during the Spanish colonial period.

What began as a sugar production facility gradually evolved to include rum distillation, preserving methods that had been used in the region for generations. Throughout its history, Pomalca has maintained close ties to the agricultural traditions of the area, with the distillery becoming an integral part of the local economy and cultural identity.

The people behind

Today, Pomalca is led by a team of master distillers and blenders who combine deep respect for traditional methods with a forward-thinking approach to spirit production. Many of the team members come from families that have worked with sugarcane for generations, bringing invaluable inherited knowledge to the distillation process.

Their collective expertise ensures that each bottle captures not just the flavors of the region but also tells the story of Peruvian rum tradition and the people who maintain it.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Pomalca begins with locally grown sugarcane, harvested at peak ripeness from fields that surround the distillery. The proximity of the cane fields to the production facility ensures that the cane is processed at its freshest state, preserving the vibrant vegetal notes that characterize Pomalca’s spirits.

Following traditional methods, the sugarcane juice is extracted and fermented using indigenous yeasts found naturally in the environment. This slow fermentation process, which can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days, creates complex precursors that later develop into the rich flavor profile Pomalca is known for.

Distillation takes place in both copper pot stills and column stills, with the blend of these two methods allowing for a perfect balance between character and refinement in the final spirit.

Maturation and aging

The aging of Pomalca rums occurs in a variety of casks, including American oak ex-bourbon barrels and French oak casks that previously held wine. The tropical climate of northern Peru accelerates the aging process, creating intense wood interaction and rich flavor development in relatively short periods.

Many of Pomalca’s premium releases are single cask expressions, offering enthusiasts a chance to explore the nuanced differences that emerge from different wood types and aging conditions. The master blenders at Pomalca pay careful attention to each barrel, monitoring development until the spirit reaches its optimal expression.

Selected Products from Pomalca

Pomalca Puro – An introduction to the house style

This expression serves as an excellent entry point to understanding Pomalca’s distinctive character. With notes of fresh sugarcane, tropical fruits, vanilla, and subtle hints of fresh herbs, this rum offers a clean yet complex profile that showcases the quality of the raw materials and careful distillation techniques employed by the distillery.

The medium-bodied palate and elegant finish make it approachable for newcomers while still offering enough complexity to satisfy experienced rum enthusiasts.

Pomalca Reserva Especial – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking a more profound experience, the Reserva Especial represents the pinnacle of Pomalca’s craftsmanship. Aged for extended periods in carefully selected casks, this expression delivers a sophisticated array of flavors including dried fruits, dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and subtle spices, complemented by a silky texture and remarkably long finish.

Bottled at a higher proof to preserve its full character, this is truly a rum for those who appreciate the finer details of aged spirits.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Pomalca offers guided tours that take visitors through the entire production process, from the sugarcane fields to the aging warehouses. These tours provide valuable insights into the traditional methods maintained by the distillery, as well as the innovations they’ve introduced to enhance quality.

The tasting experience typically includes 4-6 expressions ranging from unaged aguardiente to premium aged reserves, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of Pomalca’s diverse portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pomalca?

Pomalca is a Peruvian distillery specializing in authentic sugarcane spirits that reflect the traditions and terroir of northern Peru. Their approach combines time-honored distillation methods with careful selection of local ingredients to create distinctive rums that stand apart in the global market.

Where is Pomalca located?

The distillery is located in the Lambayeque region of northern Peru, near the city of Chiclayo. This coastal area has been growing sugarcane since colonial times, and the specific microclimate contributes significantly to the character of Pomalca’s spirits.

What characterizes Pomalca?

Pomalca is especially known for its preservation of traditional Peruvian rum-making methods, including the use of both pot and column stills, natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and aging in a tropical climate. Their rums typically exhibit bright, fresh sugarcane notes balanced with the complexity that comes from careful aging in selected oak casks.

Where can I buy rum from Pomalca?

You can find selected bottles from Pomalca at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both their core expressions and limited single cask releases, ensuring you have access to the finest examples of this distinctive Peruvian distillery’s craft.