Ron Zacapa

Ron Zacapa is a premium rum brand from Guatemala. It is named after the town of Zacapa, located in the eastern part of the country. The brand is well-known for its high-quality rum, which is aged using a process known as the "Sistema Solera".

History

The Ron Zacapa brand was established in 1976 to celebrate the centenary of the foundation of Zacapa, a town in eastern Guatemala. The rum is produced by Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala, a company that has been in the liquor industry since 1914.

Production

The production of Ron Zacapa rum involves a unique process. The rum is made from sugar cane juice, which is first fermented and then distilled. The distilled spirit is then aged using the "Sistema Solera", a method traditionally used for aging sherry. This involves blending rums of different ages in casks that have previously held American whiskey, sherry, and Pedro Ximénez wines. The aging process takes place in the highlands of Guatemala, 2,300 meters above sea level, where the cool mountain air slows down the aging process.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Ron Zacapa rum, each with its own unique characteristics. These include:

• Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Solera: This is the brand's flagship product. It is a blend of rums aged between 6 and 23 years. It has a sweet, fruity flavor with notes of chocolate, vanilla, and nutmeg.

• Ron Zacapa Centenario XO: This is a more premium offering, with rums aged between 6 and 25 years. It has a rich, complex flavor with notes of dried fruits, chocolate, and spice.

• Ron Zacapa Edición Negra: This is a special edition rum, aged in double charred American oak barrels. It has a smoky flavor with notes of dried fruits, chocolate, and spice.

Awards and Recognition

Ron Zacapa has received numerous awards and recognition for its quality. It has been named the "world's best rum" by the International Rum Festival for several years and has received a score of 98 out of 100 from the Beverage Testing Institute, the highest score ever given to a rum.

See Also

• List of rum producers
• Guatemalan cuisine