Agwa

The modern Agwa de Bolivia product is known as a liqueur based on decocainized Bolivian coca leaves; the commercial version was introduced on the global market in recent years and the brand is managed and distributed by Babco Europe. The leaves are harvested in Bolivia and then transported for decocainization and distillation in Europe, with production and bottling in Amsterdam.

To highlight the traditional aromatic profile of the Bolivian coca leaf (with the principal alkaloid removed) and integrate it with a rich mix of herbs and botanicals to create a distinctive, versatile liqueur intended both for direct consumption and as a cocktail ingredient.

Raw material origin: Bolivia (coca leaves). Production/bottling: Amsterdam, Netherlands. Brand management and distribution: Babco Europe (business contacts also in Ireland). Market: international distribution.

Bolivian coca leaves are harvested at high altitude, transported under license and subjected to a process that removes the principal alkaloid. The decocainized leaves are macerated and steam-distilled to obtain an alcoholic extract; this extract is then blended with five-times distilled vodka, sugar, water and the botanical blend prior to bottling.

Maceration of decocainized coca leaves followed by steam distillation to obtain the extract; the resulting flavor is then blended with neutral vodka and the other ingredients.