Zacapa
Zacapa Rum (Ron Zacapa) is a world-renowned premium Guatemalan rum, created in 1976 to celebrate the centenary of the town of Zacapa. Produced by Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala and marketed internationally by Diageo, Zacapa has earned acclaim for its craftsmanship, complexity, and deep connection to Guatemalan heritage.
Raw Materials & Fermentation
Unlike most rums, which are made from molasses, Zacapa is crafted from the first press of sugar cane juice—known as “virgin sugar cane honey.” This choice lends the rum a notably smoother, more aromatic, and nuanced foundation, setting it apart from conventional styles.
Fermentation is initiated with a proprietary yeast strain derived from pineapples, which imparts distinctive fruity aromatics and contributes to Zacapa’s signature flavor complexity.
Distillation & Solera Ageing
Zacapa employs a unique solera-style aging system, blending rums of various ages—typically from 6 to 23 years for its flagship Zacapa 23, and up to 25 years for its ultra-premium XO and limited editions. This fractional blending creates layered depth, consistency, and complexity across each batch.
Aging takes place not in the hot lowlands but in Zacapa’s “House Above the Clouds,” a special facility located at 2,300 meters (about 7,545 feet) above sea level in the Guatemalan mountains. The cool, moist, high-altitude environment dramatically slows evaporation, allowing for gentle, nuanced maturation and richer, more subtle flavor development.
Master Blender & Craft Elements
The creation of Zacapa is led by Lorena Vásquez, one of the few female master blenders in the spirits world. Her meticulous blending expertise and palate are instrumental in shaping Zacapa’s final character and consistency.
Each bottle of Zacapa is adorned with a petate band—a hand-woven palm leaf ring crafted by local artisans, often women from Jocotán and surrounding regions. This iconic detail honors Guatemala’s cultural heritage and supports artisan communities through sustainable employment.
Signature Expressions & Taste Profile
Zacapa 23 (Centenario 23) is the brand’s flagship rum—a solera blend of rums aged 6 to 23 years. The resulting profile is rich with notes of vanilla, cocoa, dried and tropical fruit, caramel, toasted wood, and delicate spice, offering exceptional smoothness and complexity.
The higher-end expressions—such as XO, Edición Negra, and La Armonía—layer in deeper oak, richer dried fruit, sherry and wine cask influence, roasted nuts, and notes of dark chocolate or subtle smokiness. Each release is crafted for connoisseurs seeking sophistication and layered intensity.
Branding, Environment & Heritage
Zacapa is positioned as a luxury spirit that celebrates Guatemala’s landscape, volcanic soils, hand-harvested cane, high-altitude aging, and vibrant cultural traditions. Every aspect of production is deeply tied to Guatemalan identity and sense of place.
Widely regarded as a luxury sipping rum, Zacapa is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to appreciate its full depth and nuances—though it can also elevate premium cocktails with its complexity and smooth finish.
