Blanco Del Valle Aguardiente
Blanco Del Valle Aguardiente is Colombia's iconic anise-flavored sugarcane spirit, bottled at 29% ABV (58 proof) in a 750mL bottle — and it is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA. From the state-owned Industria de Licores del Valle (est. 1921), the current formulation carries 85% less sugar with 100% of the traditional flavor.
- ABV: 29% (58 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Base: Sugarcane alcohol with natural anise essences — clear, unaged ("blanco")
- Origin: Valle del Cauca, Colombia — Industria de Licores del Valle (ILV)
- Style: Sin Azúcar formulation — 85% less sugar, dry and smooth
The Spirit of the Valle del Cauca
Few bottles say "Colombia" like Blanco del Valle. ILV, founded in 1921, is a departmental enterprise — roughly three-quarters of its profits flow back into social and education programs across Valle del Cauca, so every bottle is quite literally a taste of the region. The flagship aguardiente is transparent and bright, distilled from Valle del Cauca sugarcane and flavored with natural anise; the modern Sin Azúcar recipe keeps the "sabor tradicional, auténtico e intenso" while cutting the sugar. It is exported as far as Canada, but nowhere is it more at home than a Colombian fiesta. Browse the full lineup at Blanco Del Valle.
Tasting Notes
Bright and clear in the glass. Sweet sugarcane and aniseed on the nose with a whisper of alcohol; the palate is dry and smooth, anise-led with a warm, tingling spice and a clean, persistent finish.
How to Enjoy
Chill it well and pour neat — ice-cold aguardiente shots are the Colombian ritual. The dry, anise-forward profile also lifts citrusy cocktails and sodas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "blanco" mean in aguardiente? It means white/clear — the spirit is unaged and colorless, unlike aged rums or brandies.
Is Blanco del Valle sweet? The current Sin Azúcar formulation has 85% less sugar than traditional recipes — it is dry, smooth and anise-forward rather than sweet.
How strong is Blanco del Valle Aguardiente? 29% ABV (58 proof) for the standard 750mL bottle.
Order Blanco Del Valle Aguardiente online from Del Mesa Liquor — Colombia's classic, delivered in San Diego, CA.
Comparing the classic Colombian houses? See our guide, Aguardiente, Explained: Antioqueno vs Blanco del Valle vs Cristal, for the sugar-free vs traditional breakdown and how aguardiente is traditionally drunk.