Guatemala’s Zacapa Rum is widely considered one of the finest rums in the world. Here is a brief history of Zacapa, its unique production and maturation process, and tasting notes on its core range.

The Zacapa Rum Range

Guatemala’s Zacapa Rum is widely considered one of the finest rums in the world. Alejandro Burgaleta, a master blender with an innovative vision, created the rum in 1976 in Zacapa in eastern Guatemala to celebrate the town’s centennial. He used a unique production process that would later become central to Zacapa’s identity. Below is a brief history of Zacapa, its unique production and maturation process, and tasting notes on its core range.

Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala owns Zacapa. The rum is crafted from sugarcane harvested from the fertile volcanic soil of southern Guatemala. Diageo purchased the company in 2011. It is now part of the luxury spirits portfolio marketed by Diageo’s Rum Creation and Products company.

Zacapa’s rum making process is characterized by several unique methods.

Initially, rather than using molasses, a common byproduct of sugar manufacturing, Zacapa opts for the first press of sugarcane juice, often termed as “virgin sugarcane honey.” This not only imparts a unique softness to the rum but also enhances its sweetness in a more refined way.

Additionally, the aging process of Zacapa takes place in a facility known as the “House Above the Clouds” situated at 7,500 feet above sea level in the Guatemalan mountains. The cool, elevated climate of this location decelerates the maturation process, enabling the rum to acquire a more intricate, layered flavor profile along with a silkier finish.

Lastly, Zacapa utilizes a solera aging system, which is a traditional approach used predominantly for sherry production. In this system, rums of various ages are blended incrementally, and a portion is extracted yearly for bottling. The barrels utilized have previously housed American whiskey, and both Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry.

The process of continuous fermentation and blending known as the solera method endows Zacapa Rums with a refined, multilayered, and intricate flavor profile. Every bottle is a blend of rums that have been aged for durations ranging from 6 to 25 years.

Zacapa also subtly integrates elements of Mayan culture into its branding. Notably, each bottle features a handcrafted band at the base, referred to as a ‘petite.’ These bands are crafted by Guatemalan women using traditional backstrap looms, a skill handed down through generations and a tribute to the rich Mayan heritage of Guatemala.

Here are the tasting notes for the primary selections of Zacapa available in the US.

Zacapa XO Rum is recognized globally as one of the premier rums.

The Ron Zacapa XO rum presents itself in a deep mahogany shade adorned with red hues. Its maturation process occurs initially in ex-bourbon barrels followed by a finish in Cognac casks.

This rum has a robust and intricate nose, showcasing a rich array of aromas. It starts with dark chocolate and dried fruits, particularly prunes, dates, and figs. As it breathes, it evolves into intense layers of toffee, caramelized sugar, and honey accented by roasted nuts and aromatic oak spices such as cinnamon and cloves. The Cognac casks lend a touch of ripe cherries and plums with a subtle floral quality and a refined smoky wood note.

On the palate, Zacapa XO is exceptionally smooth and full-bodied, delivering a silky texture. The initial tasting notes include dark chocolate, coffee, and caramel, which then open up to include dried fruits and molasses. The aging in Cognac barrels adds a sophisticated complexity, with rich and sweet fruit nuances of cherries, plums, and figs. The mid-palate is warmed by flavors of vanilla, toasted oak, and spices like cinnamon and clove. A nutty layer and rancio character, revealing hints of leather and tobacco, imbue the rum with a well-aged profile.

Completing the experience, the finish is lengthy, warm, and gracefully refined. It begins sweetly, transitioning into deeper notes of oak, cocoa, and dried fruits. Near the close, a subtle tannic dryness from the oak appears, alongside persistent notes of spices, dark chocolate, and a smooth, smoky trail.

Zacapa XO is an exceptional rum. It showcases a perfect balance between sweetness, spice, and oak. The influence of the French cognac barrels gives it a refined complexity, making it ideal for sipping neat and savoring slowly. Its depth of flavor and refined finish reflect the craftsmanship behind its blend of rums aged up to 25 years.

Zacapa Edición Negra

Edición Negra is deep amber with a darker, almost reddish-brown hue. Like its sibling XO, it is a solera-aged blend of rums aged between 6 and 23 years. The rum is matured in double-charred casks, imparting a pronounced and intense smokiness and color. Hence the name, Edición Negra.

It’s rich and bold, with pronounced smoky, charred wood aromas on the nose. Distinctive layers of molasses, caramel, and dark dried fruits of raisins and prune accompany the smoky notes. The influence of the double-charred barrels is prominent, contributing hints of toasted nuts, vanilla, and spice notes of clove and cinnamon. As it opens, there are subtle notes of dark chocolate, leather, and a slightly earthy, roasted character.

Edición Negra delivers a robust and intricate flavor profile marked by a significant smoky taste. It features the deep sweetness of pure sugarcane honey enriched with notes of caramel, brown sugar, and the rich, dark fruitiness of figs and dates. These flavors beautifully balance the smokiness. Further nuance is provided by blends of molasses and hints of dark chocolate, increasing its complexity.

As the taste progresses, oak elements grow stronger, showing pronounced flavors of toasted wood and vanillin. The warmth of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper enhances the profile, while subtle undertones of roasted coffee and tobacco play into the overall smoky character.

The taste journey ends with a long, warming finish where smokey, charred wood notes prevail. The initial sweetness of caramel and dried fruits gently recedes, leaving behind a satisfying dry finish with lingering flavors of cocoa, oakwood, and a sprinkle of spice.

Ron Zacapa Edición Negra sets itself apart with a more distinct and forceful oak and smoky profile than other Zacapa varieties, thanks to its unique double charred barrel aging process. It offers a richer and intensely flavorful experience where smoke, sweetness, and spice beautifully intermingle. Perfect for those who prefer full-bodied, oaky spirits, this rum is best enjoyed neat or over ice to fully appreciate its intricate layers. Bourbon enthusiasts will find this rum particularly appealing.

Ron Zacapa No. 23 Sistema Solera

Ron Zacapa No. 23 features a deep amber hue embellished with touches of copper and gold. This rich color stems from its prolonged aging period utilizing various types of barrels within the solera system.

The aroma of this rum is rich and complicated, with prominent sweet caramel and honeyed butterscotch. It includes layers of dried fruits such as raisins, figs, and dates. Upon swirling, the rum reveals gentle notes of vanilla and oak, complemented by roasted nuts and a subtle mix of cinnamon and nutmeg spices. A whisper of chocolate and tobacco enriches the aroma, with a slight sherry influence detectable from the solera barrels.

On the palate, Zacapa No. 23 is exceptionally smooth and velvety, carrying a distinct viscous quality. The initial taste is dominated by honey-like sweetness from sugarcane, along with caramel, toffee, and brown sugar. This is followed by well-defined flavors of ripe plums, raisins, dried apricots, and a hint of citrus zest.

As the tasting progresses, the oak barrel influence intensifies, introducing flavors of charred wood, vanilla, and dark chocolate hints. The spice profile expands to include cinnamon, cloves, and a subtle peppery touch. In the backdrop, a light smokiness from the charred barrels and solera method adds layers of complexity, enhancing rather than dominating the sweet flavors.

The finale is extensive, warmly gratifying. The sweetness of dried fruits gently dissipates, giving way to a harmonious blend of oak, spice, and a mildly tannic dry finish. Remnants of vanilla, coffee, and chocolate mingle with touches of tobacco and nutmeg in the aftertaste, rounding off the experience gracefully.

Ron Zacapa No. 23 Sistema Solera is an exquisitely intricate and balanced rum, characterized by its sweetness and maturity. The solera aging technique brings about a multidimensional complexity, rendering this rum perfect for sipping pure, over ice, or as a component in superior cocktails. Its amalgamation of sweetness, fruity notes, spices, and oak creates a rich, attractive profile.

The blend of pure sugarcane honey with high-altitude aging and the solera method produces a rum that is profound in character and balance. Enjoyable alongside a dessert or sipped on its own, Zacapa’s offering is robust, intricate, and variegated, mirroring the distinctive climate and heritage of Guatemala.

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