La Hechicera & Dictador: Colombian Rum Excellence is here!
For decades, Colombian rum has been a well-kept secret, quietly holding its own in the world of spirits. But that’s changing. A new wave of brands is stepping into the spotlight, proving they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best from the Caribbean—and beyond.
At the forefront of this movement are Dictador and La Hechicera—two brands that are not just making rum but reshaping its identity. Their stories are different, their approaches distinct, yet both share an unwavering commitment to quality. Let’s dive in.
Made in the Colombian Caribbean
In the tropical heat of Cartagena and Barranquilla, Dictador and La Hechicera craft their rums under unique conditions—high humidity and warm temperatures accelerate the aging process, deepening flavors at an extraordinary pace. The result? Rums that are rich, complex, and unmistakably Colombian.
Yet, despite earning international acclaim, these brands remain elusive at home. Colombia’s state-controlled distribution monopoly has historically limited independent producers, keeping high-end rums from gaining mainstream local recognition. But this challenge has only fueled their ambition. With their sights set abroad, they’ve had to compete with the Caribbean’s finest—Venezuela, Panama, Barbados—you name it. And they’ve done so spectacularly.
Dictador: The Bold Innovator
Sipping Dictador at Manglar bar, prepared by Miguel Angel Ruiz.
Founded in 1913, Dictador embodies the rebellious, avant-garde spirit of Colombian rum. Led by master distiller Hernán Parra, the brand blends deep-rooted tradition with a cutting-edge approach. Their Solera aging method, borrowed from sherry-making, ensures a velvety smooth profile that keeps rum lovers coming back.
Dictador’s 12- and 20-year-old rums are standouts, offering decadent notes of caramel, roasted coffee, vanilla, and chocolate. The 20-year-old is so well-aged that the alcohol aroma is nearly imperceptible—a rare feat. I had the pleasure of tasting it neat and in an Old Fashioned at Manglar, a hidden gem in Cartagena’s historic center. Stop by and try it yourself.
Dictador M-City Golden Edition – one of the most exclusive rum bottles in the world
But what truly sets Dictador apart? Its boundary-pushing branding and artistic collaborations. The brand has partnered with renowned artists and artisans, releasing exquisite collector’s editions like the Totem collections, featuring bottles hand-adorned by Mexico’s Huichol and Wixárika communities, or crafted with Colombia’s Barniz de Pasto (Mopa Mopa) technique—a centuries-old lacquer art.
And if you thought rum was just for drinking, think again. Dictador has turned rum into an investment asset. One of their most coveted bottles, the M-City Golden Edition, holds the title of the world’s most expensive rum bottle, valued at €1.5 million. Forget stocks—your next portfolio move might just be liquid gold.
This makes Dictador an excellent sipping rum but also a great choice for cocktails where its deep, complex profile can shine.
What sets Dictador apart is definitwly its modern branding and experimental releases. The brand has collaborated with artists and artisans, launching beautiful collectible bottles like the Peyote or Totem collection, comprising a exclusive batch of adorned bottles desiged by native communities such as Huichol and wicharitari communities from mexico or the extraordinary technique Barniz de pasto or Mopa Mopa from Colombia.
La Hechicera
La Hechicera Spanish for “The Enchantress,” this Colombian rum is as much a tribute to heritage and nature as it is a finely aged spirit.
Founded in 2012 in the coastal city of Barranquilla, La Hechicera captures the mystic allure of Colombia’s Caribbean coast — from snow-capped mountains to the glistening sea — all beautifully encapsulated in each bottle.
When Cuba meets Colombia
Behind La Hechicera is a family legacy that spans generations. The story begins in 1989, when Alfredo Riascos convinced his son Miguel to seek new trade opportunities in Cuba. This decision led to a groundbreaking collaboration in 1991 between the Riascos family and the Cuban government — a ten-year technology exchange that not only brought knowledge of traditional Cuban rum-making to Colombia but also introduced a key figure: Giraldo Mituoka Kagana, a Cuban master blender of Japanese descent.
By 1995, Miguel Riascos Sr. had established Casa Santana Ron y Licores in Barranquilla. Located just 800 meters from the Magdalena River and close to the Caribbean Sea, the aging warehouses became the heart of La Hechicera’s production process.
The rums age in second-use American white oak barrels — formerly home to Jack Daniel’s — under the expert care of Mituoka Kagana, known affectionately as the brand’s ron sensei.
The Solera Magic
What truly sets La Hechicera apart is its solera aging method. The liquid used to create the rum is sourced from Colombian and Cuban distilleries, and is aged for between 12 and 21 years before being blended.
Unlike whiskey, which declares the age of the youngest barrel in a blend, rum highlights the oldest. At La Hechicera, no barrel younger than 12 years is used, and blends can include rums aged up to 25 years. Master blender Mituoka artfully combines rums of different ages — perhaps 12 with 18 years — and uses his seasoned senses of smell, sight, and taste to find the perfect harmony.
Experimentation Meets Tradition
While rooted in tradition, La Hechicera also embraces bold experimentation through its Series Experimentales — small-batch innovations made in limited quantities (around 7,500 bottles) for the international market.
Serie Experimental No. 1 (43% ABV) The team decided to re-use moscato wine barrels to finish aging their Reserva Familiar rum, adding nine months of delicate floral and fruity notes, a rum that resembles christmas cakes.
Serie Experimental No. 2 (41% ABV) . while experimenting infusing rum with fruits, landed on the idea of using Musa Acuminata bananas, a delicate, organic banana from Tolima. The infusion — done in-barrel, with ambient tropical temperatures and eight months of patience — resulted in a smooth, naturally sweet rum with layered tropical depth.
International Acclaim
La Hechicera has not gone unnoticed. The brand has received over 15 international awards, including accolades from The Spirits Business, Monde Selection, and the World Rum Awards. It’s a staple in high-end bars and collectors’ cabinets across Colombia and beyond.
The French drinks group Pernod Ricard has acquired a majority stake in Colombian rum brand La Hechicera, joining the group’s rum portfolio which includes Havana Club and flavoured rum liqueur brand Malibu
Whether enjoyed on the rocks or as the base of an elegant cocktail, La Hechicera is more than a rum — it’s a journey through Colombian heritage, craftsmanship, and the spirit of exploration.
At its core, it reflects a deeper cultural narrative: Colombians are faced with the challenge of shaping and sharing their national identity with the world — telling the story of a country that, in many ways, is still waiting to be truly discovered by the international consumer. In this sense, every sip of La Hechicera is a taste of Colombia’s past, present, and its untold future.
(Spanish for “The Enchantress”) stands out for its commitment to natural aging and purity. Founded by the Riascos family, this rum is produced in Barranquilla, on Colombia’s northern coast. Unlike many rums that use artificial flavoring or sugar post-aging, La Hechicera relies purely on the barrel-aging process, using ex-bourbon casks to develop its signature flavor.
With a deep amber hue and complex notes of toffee, dried fruits, vanilla, and oak, La Hechicera offers a smooth yet bold experience. Its lack of added sugars makes it a favorite among purists who appreciate the natural evolution of flavor over time. Best enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube, it embodies elegance and sophistication, making it perfect for slow sipping.
The brand's commitment to sustainability and heritage has also resonated with modern consumers. La Hechicera is positioned as a premium, craft-driven rum with a strong Colombian identity, earning a spot in some of the world's best bars and home collections.
Other Top Colombian Rums to Try
While La Hechicera and Dictador are leading the charge, there are other excellent Colombian rums worth exploring:
Ron Viejo de Caldas – A traditional, affordable rum known for its smooth character and subtle spice.
Parce Rum – An award-winning, eco-conscious brand aged up to 12 years, with notes of honey and nutmeg.
Coloma Rum – A unique rum aged in coffee liqueur barrels, offering a smooth, slightly sweet profile.
Where to Drink Colombian Rum in Berlin
If you're in Berlin and eager to experience these exceptional rums, check out:
Rum Trader – A legendary bar with a curated selection of premium rums.
Bar Tausend – A chic spot for cocktails featuring high-end spirits.
Caña Rum Bar – A must-visit for Latin American rums and expertly crafted cocktails.
Rum Depot – A paradise for rum lovers, offering one of the most extensive selections of rums in Berlin, perfect for tastings and expert recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Colombian rum is no longer a well-kept secret. With brands like La Hechicera and Dictador leading the way, the world is taking notice of the country’s ability to produce high-quality, flavorful rums. Whether you prefer the pure, aged elegance of La Hechicera or the bold, innovative spirit of Dictador, there’s never been a better time to explore Colombian rum. Salud!
