Premium 100% coca leaf liqueur marks End of the World

Coca Blue, a new premium liqueur made from Bolivian coca leaves – the raw source of cocaine – is to be launched in November to mark the end of the Mayan Calendar on 21 December 2012, the date predicted by the Mayans to be the end of the world.

Coca Blue coca leaf liqueur will launch to mark the Mayan calendar’s prediction for the End of the World

Coca Blue, produced by Babco Europe which also makes herbal liqueur Aqwa de Bolivia, is made from 100% coca leaf distillate with the cocaine alkaloids removed.

The coca leaves are picked 2000 metres above sea level in the Andes where, under extreme air pressure, they grow smaller and richer in flavour. Once picked, the leaves are shipped to Amsterdam where Babco they undergo a maceration and decocanisation process to remove the active ingredient inherent in cocaine.

The 55.5% abv liqueur is available in the UK from November from distributor Proof Drinks for £250, although only 100 cases will be available in that market.

Proof Drinks director Paul Ferguson said: “After the success of Agwa de Bolivia coca leaf liqueur we feel privileged to manage this truly unique addition. At 111 proof the coca leaf flavour is amazingly smooth on the palate, powerful and unforgettable. We don’t expect the limited number of gift-packed bottles to stay around for long.”

The launch will coincide with a global Agwa de Bolivia ‘End of the World’ promotional campaign, where the brand will host several apocalypse themed parties in eight major cities, including Las Vegas, London, Amsterdam, Seoul, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Auckland and Sydney.