AQARA was founded in 2019 by Marco Suarez Lara in Caraz, Peru, with a vision to honor the heritage of Peruvian agave while pushing the boundaries of artisanal distillation. Using wild agave varietals—Americana Expansa Gentry and Agave Cordillerensis—AQARA hand-harvests and chops each plant into small pieces before slow cooking them in a mash ton, reminiscent of beer and whiskey production. Distillation occurs in double copper pots using mineral-rich water sourced from local lagoons fed by Andes snowmelt, and no additives are ever used. For every agave harvested, three are replanted, reflecting AQARA’s commitment to sustainability.
AQARA also produces Refugio, a non-alcoholic spirit crafted through clay pot distillation with eucalyptus. During distillation, Peruvian Rocoto and Aji Amarillo peppers, as well as grapefruit peel, are added in a vapor basket. This process enhances aromatics and flavor, delivering the rich complexity and satisfying finish often missing from non-alcoholic spirits.
From the high Andes to the cocktail glass, AQARA’s spirits celebrate the purity of Peruvian agave, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a bold commitment to sustainability. Every bottle captures the unique terroir of the region while offering both traditional and non-alcoholic options for modern mixology.
