Colombia's ancestral spirit Viche gains popularity, sparks cultural debate

• Viche, a strong sweet liquor from Colombia's Pacific coast, poised to become national alcohol
• Afro-Colombian communities fight to protect ancestral drink from cultural appropriation
• Drink gaining popularity in cities, with bartenders smuggling bottles overseas
• Legal hurdles prevent widespread sale and export despite 2021 law to protect viche
• Government developing 'viche route' to boost tourism to Pacific coast distilleries

Source: BBC