EPISODE · Jul 9, 2021 · 17 MIN

Episode 60: Cocalero

from Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur · host Matt Birchard

Episode 60 features Cocalero Clasico, the sacred spirit of the Andes - a coca leaf flavored liqueur. The bottle for the tasting is 750mL at 29% ABV, or 58 proof and sells for about $25 - $30.Enjoy this episode with a pour of Cocalero - try a CocaBomb shot, or just mix it with some tonic.Cocalero's official website: https://cocalero.com/Brief Historical Timeline:1863 - Coca Wine invented by Angelo Mariani in Paris, and sold as Vin Mariani1886 - Dr. John Pemberton, inventor of Coca-Cola creates his own version of coca wine, but must remove the alcohol due to the local temperance movement, creating the Coca-Cola soft drink recipe2004 - John Ralph gets into the spirits importation business in Ireland2008 - John Ralph branches out to China2010 - Irish importation and distribution business is sold and John moves to China full time 2013 - Cocalero is launched in Asia2014 - Cocalero takes off in Japan2019 - Sales surpass 1 million bottles per year, and they launch in the US market. COVID-19 global pandemic also starts2021 - Growth ahead with upcoming launches in Russia and India Key Cocktails:Cocalero is consumed on premises primarily, and often served as a CocaBomb:Layer Cocalero over your favor mixer or energy drink in the signature CocaBomb glass (a modified quaffer, double bubble shot glass).References:My thanks to Cocalero inventor, as well as founder and CEO of Intrepid Spirits, John Ralph, for speaking with me for this episode, and for providing the bottle for the tasting.Wikipedia Article on Pemberton's French Wine CocaWikipedia Article on Cocalero (the coca leaf farmer)DrinkHacker Review of CocaleroContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur