DIEGO GONZÁLEZ VALDÉS
Master Diego was born and raised in Guachalito, a hamlet in the district of Joví, municipality of Nuquí located in Chocó. He has spent his entire life surrounded by the sound of the wind colliding with the palms and the occasional visit of humpback whales. From a very young age, he developed a strong connection with the ocean and marine life, which he considers "the other world." His favourite fish to dive with is the Grouper, which he finds fascinating due to its curious "personality."
Diego's passion for viche production began in his childhood thanks to his maternal grandfather, Cesar Valdés. He spent a lot of time with him in Coquí, Chocó, very close to a beautiful stream that Diego remembers fondly. He was fascinated by the process of viche preparation and watched attentively as his grandfather distilled it. When he decided to become independent, he devoted himself to producing viche, bottling it in recycled bottles of rum, aguardiente, and whiskey.
Diego's house is surrounded by various types of sugarcane, just like his grandfather's house. The predominant type is the yellow cane, the same one harvested by his grandfather. Diego feels fulfilled when he engages in tasks such as harvesting the cane, thanks to his strong connection with the land. A few steps from his cane fields is the 'matacuatro,' a traditional sugarcane mill used by his grandfather, his parents, and now it's in his hands.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
Viche Master: Diego González Valdés.
Designation of Origin: Guachalito Beach, district of Joví, Nuquí, Chocó
Type of sugarcane: Yellow cane, zamba cane
Type of milling: Mechanical sugarcane mill
Fermentation time: 15 to 20 days. After boiling, the sugarcane juice is left covered to rest (traditional method).
Type of distillation: Traditional still.
Type of still: With steel and wooden lid.
Alcohol content: 40%
Tasting notes
Smell: Its tropical aroma activates the olfactory senses.
Taste: Thick texture and slightly spicy notes that give way to salty ones, creating a taste that reminds us of the beautiful sea in Guachalito. It is smooth to drink but burns softly, creating a great balance. Its flavor has many attributes that make it feel joyful, wild, and warm.
