Pictured: Camilo enjoying a dram on the beach.
82 | Whisky in Colombia
Whisky is very popular in Colombia, but 95% of the market is taken by blended. At The Whisky Club we source the best whiskies and share knowledge and ideas, allowing our customers to understand the whisky and build their own opinions. We want to show Latin Americans the universe of tastes offered by single malts.
Camilo Sarmiento, co-founder and general manager of The Whisky Club in Bogotá
I was born in Bogota, Colombia where I still live. I’ve also lived in the US and France, where I did a Master’s degree and worked for Christian Dior.
Colombia is a beautiful country. People are always smiling and happy, while there’s music and dance in every corner. Right now there’s a consensus here to forgive a terrible past and focus on building a better country. Economics and society have already improved a great deal, so there are huge opportunities for businesses and experiences.
I’ve never been to Scotland, although I may go this year. I’ve always been impressed by how such a small country has the character to create global impact through its products and traditions such as whisky and golf.
I am a co-founder of The Whisky Club and I am actively involved in many whisky events and experiences in Colombia.
Whisky is not only a drink, it is the expression of a culture. In whisky you have all the resources of Scotland – the water, minerals, land and much more. With all this in a glass, how can you not be fascinated? It is a beautiful miracle.
I was very young the first time I tasted whisky. My father was enjoying a dram with some of his friends. I was intrigued by the drink that made people get together, and loved how they had different opinions about the same bottle. When my father was not looking I took a short sip and have enjoyed it from that day.
We will soon be part of the country’s top luxury hotel, located in Cartagena. This will provide us with a wider range of resources to help people understand whisky better and enjoy sharing it.
My favourite whisky is the always the next one! There are more than 300 expressions so I still have many to try. Each time I try a new one I understand whisky better, which is probably part of the process of getting to know my palate.
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