Cristal Aguardiente Tradicional
Cristal Aguardiente Tradicional is Colombia's national spirit in its purest form: a 29% ABV (58 proof) clear anise-flavored aguardiente from Industria Licorera de Caldas, distilled from Colombian sugarcane and blended with the best natural anise essence from Europe, plus notes of fennel. Purified water from the Nevado del Ruiz volcano goes into the blend — and the result is the classic Colombian party bottle: smooth, sweet-edged, unmistakably anise. Order the 750mL bottle online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 29% (58 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Colombian aguardiente — anise-flavored sugarcane spirit
- Producer: Industria Licorera de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia
- Awards: Superior Taste Award, International Taste & Quality Institute (Brussels), 2015 & 2017
- Origin: Colombia
The Taste of Colombian Celebration
Aguardiente is to Colombia what tequila is to Mexico — the spirit at the center of every fiesta — and Cristal is one of its most recognized names. The "Tradicional" expression is the original formula: sugarcane alcohol given the classic anise treatment, triple-filtered to crystal clarity (the brand's name is literal — it is visually indistinguishable from water). It drinks best ice-cold, in the small pouring glasses Colombians use, straight or in long drinks with citrus and soda. See the full Cristal Aguardiente collection and more Latin spirits at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: crystal clear. Nose: sweet anise, fennel, clean sugarcane spirit. Palate: anise-forward, smooth and lightly sweet, soft fennel notes. Finish: warming, with lingering anise.
How to Enjoy
Serve well chilled — straight as a shot, or over ice with a splash of soda and lime. It is the traditional pairing for Colombian celebrations and late-night conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aguardiente? A traditional Latin American spirit distilled from sugarcane (in Colombia's case) and flavored with anise — "aguardiente" means "firewater."
How strong is Cristal Tradicional? 29% ABV (58 proof).
Who makes it? Industria Licorera de Caldas, in Manizales, Colombia.
Bring the fiesta home — order Cristal Aguardiente online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.