Get to know the favourite liqueur of Spain at the Experiencia 43 visitors centre near Cartagena
The guided tours and tastings of Licor 43 have become one of the most popular visits in the Region of Murcia
The regional tourist board of Murcia is engaged in a continuing campaign to promote the culinary and gastronomic attractions of the Costa Cálida under the slogan “The 1.001 Flavours of the Region of Murcia”, and without doubt one of the star products is the Experiencia 43 visitors centre just outside Cartagena, alongside the motorway to La Manga del Mar Menor.
These attractive, modern premises are home to the production line of Licor 43, Spain’s most popular liqueur, and the adjoining Experiencia 43 centre provides fascinating guided tours of the distillation and bottling plant as well as a range of absorbing experiences related to the company’s products. On top of this, of course, there is a chance to purchase some extremely tasty souvenirs, including the chocolate and Baristo varieties of Licor 43, which are available only at a very limited number of retail outlets!
Visitors can sign up for two tour packages, the first of which is known as the “Masterclass and Fruit Picking”. This begins with a guided tour of the production facility and onsite museum, learning about the history, origins and versatility of the brand (which was given its name due to the number of ingredients in its secret recipe!). This is followed by a workshop activity in which you can create your own cocktail, competing against the other members of the tour party to concoct the tastiest drink.
Finally, the visit ends with another workshop and a chance to taste the Ginger 43 cocktail on the outside terrace, accompanied by a delicious snack.
The full tour itinerary consists of the following:
Guided tour of the museum and production plant of Licor 43.
Tour of the citrus orchard of Licor 43.
Masterclass and tasting of various varieties of Licor 43.
Cocktails competition.
Workshop and tasting of “Ginger 43”.
The other option is the flagship tour of the Experiencia 43 centre, which has become one of the most popular among visitors of all nationalities to the Region of Murcia: the Premium Visit. This also begins with a guided tour of the museum and production plant of Licor 43 (one of the key elements of the Asiático coffee which is so characteristic of Cartagena).
The full tour itinerary is as follows:
Guided tasting of the original Licor 43.
Guided tour of the museum and production plant of Licor 43.
Workshop and tasting of “Ginger 43”.
Tastings of the newest varieties of Licor 43: Licor 43 Horchata (with tiger nuts) and Licor 43 Baristo (blended with the finest Canary Islands coffee beans).
Tours are offered in a variety of languages including English, and it is hard to find anyone who says they did not enjoy this unique experience: the only problem might be finding volunteers to be the designated driver on the return journey!
Source: Regional tourist board of Murcia (ITREM)
Address
C. Silicio P.I.los Camach, nº 10, Poligono Industrial, 30369 Los Camachos, MurciaTel: 968 030188
Licor 43 has been produced in Cartagena since the mid-20th century
Following the disruption of the Covid pandemic the “Experiencia 43” tastings and tours of the Licor 43 factory just outside Cartagena are now up and running again, with visitors welcomed back to what was one of the most popular destinations before the coronavirus interruption.
There are now two re-modelled tour packages, the shorter of which is the 90-minute "Visita Premium". This begins with a tasting of Licor43 Original, followed by the guided tour through the museum and the manufacturing plant of Licor43, a cocktail presentation and tasting of “Ginger43”.
This visit is available from Monday to Saturday at a price of 14 euros per head (adults only). Prior booking is essential. Children may also visit under adult supervision, and must always be accompanied by adults. Due to sanitary considerations masks must be worn throughout the visit, and unfortunately the maximum group size has to be set at 12.
But now an even more complete tour is also available under the title of “Masterclass and Fruit Picking”. This includes an additional focus on the texture, aromas and sensations that the citrus fruits from the Mediterranean garden alongside the Experiencia 43 building provide, all of them contributing to the secret recipe of Licor 43. In the garden visitors choose and pick their own fruits for the cocktail they will prepare at the end of the visit!
During the Master Class, brand ambassadors transport you to a world of complex nuances as you get to know Licor 43 through its three main flavour varieties: Original, Horchata (tiger nuts) and Coffee.
A full tour of the factory and museum is also included.
The Masterclass and Fruit-Picking tour is held on weekdays at 12.00 noon and is priced at 30 euros per head.
Bookings at Experiencia 43 should be made using the contact box below, online here, by telephone on 968 030188 or by email at experiencia43@zamoracompany.com.
Tours can be booked between 9.00 and 16.00 from Monday to Sunday in Spanish, English and German. Visits in French and Italian can be organised with prior notice.
