Alambique Serrano Cartier 30 Rum

From the highlands of Santa María Tlalixtac in Oaxaca comes one of the most compelling cane spirits on the market today. Alambique Serrano’s “Cartier 30” is a high-proof, wild-fermented aguardiente de caña distilled by the Krassel family using organic Java cane grown between 2,300 and 4,000 feet above sea level. The name references the Cartier scale, an old method of measuring alcohol content still used colloquially in many villages—Cartier 30 corresponds to just over 70% ABV, the traditional bottling strength for the region. Fermented naturally with ambient yeasts and distilled in a bespoke continuous still (the Max Krassel Still) that collects only heart cuts, this expression is bottled without dilution or additives. The result is an intense, expressive cane spirit with a briny, grassy nose, powerful vegetal character, and an electric finish that hums with energy. Despite the formidable proof, Cartier 30 is astonishingly drinkable, especially when chased with fresh cane juice as is customary in Oaxaca. A rare glimpse into high-elevation, high-strength artisanal distillation, and a must-try for lovers of clairin, agricole, or pure, terroir-driven spirits.