Pacharán is a sloe berry-infused liqueur with ancient roots in the Basque Country. There are many commercial versions of this liqueur but the Acha family maintains an authentic recipe handed down by their ancestors. Local sloe berries from the Sierra de Orduña are macerated with an alcohol that has been distilled five times. Another batch of this alcohol is used to macerate three types of anise and is then distilled once more. Once both macerations are complete, these two products are blended with sugar and alcohol to create Pacharán Sierra de Orduña.

Tasting Notes Heady licorice notes mix with aromas of anise. The palate is smooth and rich.

Serving Recommendation Serve neat, chilled or over ice as a stand-alone, after-dinner liqueur.

Atxa Sierra de Orduña is a premium pacharán from Destilerías Acha, a historic family-run producer in Spain’s Basque Country. Made to the house’s original recipe, this 25% ABV liqueur centers on wild sloe fruit gathered from the hillsides surrounding the Artomaña Valley, near the vineyards of Arabako Txakolina.

Its distinctive production begins with the maceration of sloes in neutral alcohol distilled five times. A separate portion of alcohol is infused with star anise, aniseed, and coriander, then distilled again. The sloe maceration and aromatic distillate are subsequently combined with sugar and alcohol. This two-part process gives the bottling its particular identity: local fruit remains at the core, framed by a carefully composed layer of anise and spice.

Destilerías Acha traces its history to 1831, when it was founded in Bilbao by Bordeaux businessman Paúl Pomes. Manuel Acha later took charge of the operation, and his descendants have run the business since 1886. In 2002, fifth-generation owner Gabriel Acha renewed the company’s focus on traditional specialties, including pacharán and vermouth. That continuity is especially meaningful here, as Sierra de Orduña preserves the producer’s historic pacharán recipe while emphasizing fruit sourced from its home region.

Traditionally enjoyed as a digestif, Atxa Sierra de Orduña may be served chilled or over ice. It is a compelling introduction to pacharán for newcomers and a thoughtful choice for seasoned liqueur drinkers interested in the meeting point of wild Basque sloes, anise distillation, and a family recipe maintained across generations.