La Vichería’s Mission: How an Irish Ally Helps Protect Colombia’s Viche Tradition

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There’s a quiet revolution brewing on Colombia’s Pacific coast—one that’s centuries in the making. It’s the story of Viche, a sugarcane spirit deeply rooted in Afro-Colombian tradition, and the movement to protect its legacy from exploitation, erasure, and industrialization.

In this episode, I sit down with John Coffey of La Vichería in Cali to explore the cultural and spiritual significance of Viche, a traditional Afro-Colombian spirit. We talk about:
- The untold history of Viche: From its West African origins to its survival through slavery and Colombia’s jungles
- Why Viche is more than a drink: Its role as medicine, ritual, and cultural anchor for Afro-Colombian communities
- The 2021 Ley del Viche: How activists fought (and won) legal recognition against corporate trademarking
- Las Maestras Vicheras: The women preserving this craft and why their knowledge is irreplaceable
- La Vichería’s social business model: Fair trade, community reinvestment, and the challenges of bringing Viche to the world

We also explore:

-John’s unlikely journey—from filming documentaries in Caquetá to co-founding a Viche revolution in Cali

-The brutal reality of artisanal production (three-day canoe trips, hand-pressed sugarcane, jungle distilleries)

-Can Viche go global without losing its soul? The fine line between celebration and exploitation

-My own encounter with Viche in the Pacific—sipping curado under marimba music, learning from the Maestras

Links & Resources:

-Visit La Vichería website

-Learn about Petronio Álvarez Festival (August, Cali)

 

Have you tried Viche? What does cultural preservation in spirits mean to you? 

(00:00) Introduction to Viche and Its Cultural Significance
(02:50) The Role of La Vicheria in Promoting Viche
(05:58) Legalization and Regulation of Viche
(08:49) The Production Process of Viche
(12:08) Cultural Uses and Medicinal Properties of Viche
(14:59) The Importance of Protecting Viche's Heritage
(18:04) The Future of Viche in Mixology and Beyond
(29:21) The Future of Viche: Growth and Authenticity
(32:44) Tradition vs. Modernization: The Role of Youth
(35:24) Production Challenges: Balancing Quality and Quantity
(36:55) Understanding Viche: Cultural and Historical Significance
(39:24) The Unique Terroir of Viche Production
(42:15) Artisanal Methods vs. Industrial Production
(44:42) Community Engagement and Future Projects