We had the opportunity to talk with Javier De Vicente, Distiller/Co Founder of The Old Bastard Chilean Moonshine. Here is the story of The Old Bastard Chilean Moonshine, a niche distillery rooted in the rich tradition of Chilean moonshine production. Known for its authenticity and rebellious spirit, the brand captures the rugged essence of the Chilean countryside in every bottle

About The Old Bastard Chilean Moonshine

The Old Bastard is a craft distillery located by Lake Vichuquén in the Curicó Valley. This distillery is known for producing American-style spirits with a distinct Chilean twist. By using the finest raw materials, developing subtle and innovative products, that stand out for their unique character and quality.

The Journey

The Old Bastard was founded in March 2020 by Nicholas Robertson and Javier, who took a "leap of faith" to introduce a disruptive and innovative product to the Chilean market. Despite having no prior knowledge of distilling—only some experience with brewing—they immersed themselves in various courses and tutorials to master the craft. In 2021, a course at Moonshine University in Louisville, Kentucky, proved pivotal, helping them refine their techniques and address areas of improvement. The upgrade from a 30-liter still to a 500-liter one marked a significant turning point for the distillery, fueling their ambition to achieve even greater success. With a dedicated team in place, they continue to develop new products, profiles, and ideas, aiming to surprise and delight in the future.

Image credits: The Old Bastard Chilean Moonshine

Disrupting Chilean Spirits Tradition

The creation of The Old Bastard was driven by a desire to introduce something new and distinct in Chile’s spirits market. Amidst the craft gin boom in the country, the founders sought to disrupt the status quo and break away from the conventional norms of Chile's pisco and wine culture. They brought to life a product that had long fascinated them, one steeped in mystique, history, and tradition.

Tradition-Driven Chilean Craftsmanship

The Old Bastard distillery embraces traditional methods and classic approaches to distillation, choosing to prioritize authenticity over innovation. Their base recipe, which includes Corn, Malted Wheat, and Malted Barley, is sourced primarily from Chile, making the product entirely Chilean, with no added flavors or colorings. The distillery is meticulous in its production process, focusing on quality over quantity, ensuring that each small batch meets the highest standards. While rooted in tradition, their Green Chili Moonshine stands out as an innovative offering, featuring the subtle heat of crystal chili pepper, a unique element of Chilean cuisine.

Chilean-Made Moonshine Pride

The Old Bastard Moonshine is a relatively new product. In Chile, they have two imported Moonshine brands, Ole Smoky and Midnight Moon.  A key differentiator for The Old Bastard is its Chilean origin, a factor that resonates strongly with the nation's deeply ingrained sense of nationalism. The saying "Si es Chileno, es bueno," meaning "if it's Chilean, it's good," reflects this pride. Additionally, The Old Bastard produces its own base alcohol, giving its spirits a unique style and distinct profiles that set it apart from competitors.

Image credits: The Old Bastard Chilean Moonshine I Quality Liquor Store I Old Smoky Distillery

Growth and Vision

The Old Bastard distillery has a new product slated for launch in March 2025—a "Chilean Whiskey" crafted entirely from Chilean raw materials while upholding the American traditions of Corn whiskey. Although the name remains a closely guarded secret, it will be revealed soon. Looking ahead, the distillery plans to expand its reach, targeting new markets and exporting its products to different countries, with the ambition to establish itself as a leading "shiner" of the southern hemisphere. The goal is to expand the category of Chilean whiskey, beginning with neighboring markets such as Argentina, Peru, Mexico, and the United States, where the culture of spirits and cocktails is strong. Beyond South America, North America and Europe are also key targets for growth.

Conclusion

In summary, The Old Bastard Chilean Moonshine blends tradition with innovation, offering a unique take on Chilean spirits. Founded by Nicholas Robertson and Javier, the distillery combines traditional methods with distinct Chilean character. With an upcoming Chilean Whiskey on the horizon and plans to expand into new markets, The Old Bastard is poised to elevate the category of Chilean whiskey and continue its journey of quality and creativity.

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