Coca leaves have been chewed by South American Indians for 4500 years to induce a mild and long-lasting euphoria. Anthropologists have speculated that the word coca derives from the pre-Incan Tiwanaku word khoka – meaning “the plant”. The Aymara word q’oka means “food for travellers and workers”.
It was found that 100 gm of Bolivian coca leaves satisfied the dietary allowance for calcium, iron, phosphorous, vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin E. The coca leaf was used (and still is) by the Incas, Inca descendants (Quechuans) , Tiwanaku, Amyara and other nomadic Andean cultures.
Today you can legally enjoy the mythical & legendary taste experience decocainised Bolivian Coca in Agwa de Bolivia.
Agwa De Bolivia Coca Leaf Liquor is made from the finest Bolivian Coca Leaves and 37 natural ingredients including guarana and ginsing. The coca leaves are shipped under armed guard from Bolivia and handcrafted in Amsterdam. Agwa is not just renowned for its unique and great taste but more for the secret energy that lies in all its drinks and cocktails. Don’t forget to ask the bar man about the Bolivian Kiss and the Agwa Buzz.
Complex aromas and flavors include hints of lime, mint and guarana. It is a new age liquor made from ancient ingredients.
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Modern History:
It actually was not until 1859 Albert Niemann isolated the alkaloid cocaine. By 1868 cocaine had been recognized as an excellent local anaesthetic. And in 1884 Freud wrote about his experience with cocaine in “Uber Coca”.
In 1860 Angelo Mariani introduced “Vin Mariani” a fortified wine drink made with Coca leaf. Mariani and other makers of Coca Leaf Liquors made a fortune from the drink with the help of endorsement by notable persons such as Queen Victoria of England, Thomas Edison and Pope Leo the XIII.
In 1886 John Pemberton, of Atlanta, Ga., introduced a tonic called Coca-Cola which contained cocaine. Cocaine was removed from Coca Cola in 1904 however decocainised coca leaves are still used. Cocaine & Wines & Liquors made cocaine inside were banned in 1912. The drug cocaine is an extremely dangerous narcotic with significant health hazards.
However the Andean culture and the coca plant have thrived for centuries. It is ironic that this same plant that is used as a curative and everyday stimulant in its homeland is the source of so much abuse and misunderstanding in many parts of the world.
Agwa de Bolivia Herbal Liquor Tasting notes:
Bright, semi-fluorescent green with perfect clarity. The nose is complex with a delicate floral note taking the lead with sweet herbal and citrus (lime takes the lead here) notes and accents of anise. The palate echoes the nose upfront with a sweet, soft entry that then turns peppery. The finish is part sweet herb and lime with pepper and a rising menthol-like note that completes the taste experience.
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