“Maestro Aguardientero” and Defender of the Legacy of Colombian Rum: JULIO MOLANO

Julio Molano is a Colombian entrepreneur, husband and father of three, dedicated to revitalizing a lost tradition: authentic rum distillation in Colombia. For over 18 years, local production of Colombian rums was disrupted due to the state distillation monopoly, which prioritized cost reduction through bulk importation, sacrificing the authenticity of the product.

As the “Maestro Aguardientero” behind Desquite Aguardiente and Ron Amuleto, Julio takes on the challenge of rescuing this legacy, giving back to the world an authentic Colombian rum, distilled in the country and made with local sugar cane. His mission not only celebrates the cultural richness of Colombia, but also revives a heritage that deserves to be recognized and enjoyed globally.

TRL: What was the biggest challenge you faced in launching your rum brand, and how did you overcome it?

Building from scratch in a country with no rum distillation tradition was complex. We had to rely on theory, trial, and error to design our distillery and launch our products. Navigating Colombia’s legal red tape was another uphill battle, but patience, grit, and the belief in our vision helped us to make it through.

TRL: How do you see the rum market evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what trends do you think will shape the future of the industry?

I believe the future of rum lies in authenticity and transparency. Consumers are gravitating toward cleaner, additive-free spirits with genuine stories behind them. As distillers, embracing this shift becomes essential. Craftsmanship and integrity will define the next era of rum.

TRL: Can you share a personal experience or moment that significantly influenced your brand’s direction?

I had the opportunity to visit Barbados, St Lucia and Martinique distilleries last year. Martinique rums were impressive. The direction they are moving towards, the diverse flavor profiles and its connection with the life of sugar cane fields inspired me to move forward with some ideas of my own that I had been working on.

TRL: How do you balance tradition with innovation in your approach to rum-making or marketing?

I do not see them as opposing forces. Respecting and honoring rum producing traditions is our approach to marketing.

TRL: What are some recent initiatives or products you’ve launched that have been particularly impactful?

We regularly host visits from the panela industry—farmers and producers exploring rum as a way to generate added value to a basic agricultural commodity. Every farmer that visits us represents a step toward reviving Colombia’s rum industry.

TRL: How do you educate consumers about your rum, and what’s the most important lesson they should take away?

“Liquid to lips” is our most effective educator. Social media helps, but nothing compares to the sensory experience of seeing, smelling, tasting our products. We aim to show people the stark difference between handcrafted and industrial spirits. Once they experience it, their choice becomes clear.

TRL: How do you manage quality and consistency as your brand grows and enters new markets?

For aguardiente, we maintain quality by following meticulous documented processes. Rum, however, is a dynamic spirit. Without additives, every barrel has its own personality. Blending for consistency is where science meets art, and there, we rely on our senses, making every batch a bit different from the rest, but generally consistent with its profile.

TRL: Can you share a collaboration or partnership that helped elevate your brand to new levels?

We work closely with our customers to co-create experiences—cocktails, unique drinking occasions, and industry events.

TRL: What is your long-term vision for your rum brand, and how do you see your role in the evolution of the rum industry?

Our vision is to make Colombia a rum powerhouse. With the Caribbean’s largest sugar cane fields, world-leading yields, and a modern sugar industry, Colombia is primed for greatness in this industry. We aim to showcase our country’s potential and craft increasingly complex, world-class aguardientes and rums.

TRL: What’s one piece of educational advice you would give rum lovers to better understand the spirit?

Read the label, but don’t stop there. Taste side by side. Compare brands, styles, and production methods. The biggest number on the bottle doesn’t always mean older and better. Let the rum tell its story through its flavor.

TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page?

www.desquite.com

www.ronamuleto.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ronamuleto/