SOFÍA ARROYO QUIÑONEZ
Sofia Arroyo Quiñonez, known as Doña Sofi, was taught how to make viche by her mother Trinidad and grandmother Soledad. She recalls watching her great-grandmother María Enelia distill viche many times. They were five generations of women who followed tradition, descended from maroonage, as the residents of Cajambre call themselves.
Doña Sofi learned the craft by accompanying her mother to harvest sugar cane "up there by the river." They stayed there for several days and then brought back the cane that would be used later to make viche. All the secrets and nuances for producing good viche were passed down from these powerful and hardworking women.
When you arrive in the village of Silva del Carmen, getting off the boat will take you on a short journey to Aunt Rogelia Quiñonez house. Some small railings lead to a cement courtyard that then leads to the town’s school and the booths where the community gathers. If you keep walking, you'll find the houses of the neighbors. Right next to Aunt's house is a wooden house on stilts, where they welcome newcomers with sweets, fish stew, and good juice. This is how Doña Sofi is greeted when she comes to distill viche in her hometown of Silva del Carmen, situated on the Cajambre River, three hours from Buenaventura, Valle Del Cauca.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
Maestras Vicheras: Sofia Arroyo Quiñonez y su tía Rogelia Quiñonez.
Designation of Origin: Silva del Carmen Village,
Cajambre River, Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca.
Type of sugarcane: POJ 2878.
Type of milling: Traditional sugarcane mill.
Fermentation time: Cooking of the sugarcane juice and fermentation for 5 to 6 days.
Type of distillation: Single distillation of sugarcane fermentation, no water added.
Type of still: Traditional pot still with wooden lid.
Alcohol content: 40%
Tasting notes
On the nose: A perfect blend of fruity and vegetal notes, with a deep scent.
On the palate: It has a typical sugarcane sweetness with a delicate spiciness that activates the taste buds.
Finish: long and pleasant, leaving a deep and enjoyable aftertaste.
