Casa Tarasco Spirits

The Mexican production company Casa Tarasco Spirits specialises in the elaboration of Charanda from a fundamental ingredient: sugar cane. This spirit, the Mexican equivalent of rum, is particularly popular around the city of Uruapan, where the Casa Tarasco distillery is based. The Tarasco people represent a pre-Columbian ethnic group living in the north of the state of Michoacan, which has remained very attached to its ancient traditions. Through their spirits, since 1907 the Pacheco family, owner of Casa Tarasco, has aimed to enhance the priceless historical and cultural heritage of this civilisation, which has been dedicated to charanda production for more than five centuries. The term 'charanda' was adopted by the local population to name the characteristic 'red earth' of volcanic origin, rich in clay, iron and mineral substances, found in the Michoacan mountains.
The sugar cane grown by the Casa Tarasco Spirits distillery is farmed organically at an altitude of almost 1,500 metres above sea level. Charanda processing involves the preparation of a sugar cane honey, which is then fermented and subjected to a double distillation, mostly in copper stills. The production approach is artisanal, strongly linked to the long local tradition, while the ageing phase may or may not involve placing the liquid in wooden barrels. Furthermore, the use of any artificial flavouring is excluded throughout the production process, as stipulated in the Charanda production specifications.
Casa Tarasco's Charanda evokes sweet and charming aromas that reflect the characteristics of the appellation of the same name. However, this historic spirit from Michoacan is less well known today than other Mexican products such as tequila or mezcal. The recommendation is to enjoy Casa Tarasco spirits neat, 'on the rocks' or as the basis for delicious cocktails.