The Rums of Mexico “Caldo” is a fascinating small-production Mexican sugarcane spirit from Tlaltetela, Veracruz, made by second-generation cane farmer and first-generation aguardientero Orlando Vásquez. Rather than molasses, Caldo is produced from the fresh-pressed juice of two sugarcane varieties, 290 and CP421, prized for their high sugar content. The fermented cane juice is distilled on a four-plate continuous copper still heated entirely by firewood and bottled at a robust 52.3% ABV (104.6 proof).
The result is a distinctly rustic, terroir-driven style of Mexican rum with an unusual savory, smoky and earthy profile—think charcoal smoke, black pepper and brine alongside lime, mandarin, blackberry and roasted dark fruit. Caldo is part of the new The Rums of Mexico (MXRUMS) project showcasing the remarkable diversity of traditional Mexican cane spirits, locally known by names including aguardiente, cañita, chinguirito, cañazo and ron.
