Description

Ron Zacapa No. 23 Rum

Our Story

Zacapa rum was created in 1976 to commemorate the 100th anniversary celebration of the foundation of the city of Zacapa. Zacapa is a town in Guatemala located approximately 112km from Guatemala City. The name Zacapa derives from Nahuatl (Aztec) language, and it means “on the river of grass.

Our Process

Unlike most rums which use molasses, Zacapa Rum is made using the first press of virgin sugar cane. This makes the rum sweeter and smoother, and it is at this point that the distinctive characteristics and flavor profile of Zacapa begin to develop. There is no place better suited than Southern Guatemala, thanks to its mineral rich volcanic soil and the numerous rivers that nourish the area. The difference in raw materials is noticeable in the depth of the primary aromas and flavors of Zacapa.

After distillation, Zacapa undergoes an amazing journey from the volcano-shadowed lowlands to the head of a valley 2,300 meters (7,545 feet) above sea level where the cooler, moist climate in the ‘House Above the Clouds’ enables Zacapa to acquire its unique qualities and signature taste profile. The fresh mountain air delicately ages our rum, enabling the development of the deep aroma, body, full color and rich flavor of Zacapa. Here, at the House Above the Clouds, wooden barrels share their aromas and flavors through the unique ‘Sistema Solera’ aging process.

The magic of aging is inspired by the Sistema Solera (Solera System), where our rum’s journey includes a multitude of cask types and styles carefully selected by Lorena Vásquez, to capture specific flavors and textures, as well as the perfect color. When it comes to casks, each one has a story to tell in the final liquid, meaning there’s no finer spirit to go on this journey with. Some are made from American White Oak and were previously used to store American Whiskey, and others are made from European oak that have previously been used to age Cognac, Sherry or Pedro Ximénez Wines. They each have different degrees of toasting, depending on the final characteristics that are being sought for the different rums. This stage of the production of rums allows Lorena to vary the complexity of the profile that she is seeking in the rum.

Ron Zacapa No. 23 Rum Tasting Notes

The balance of delicate and unique flavors of Zacapa No. 23 is derived from a blend of aged rums between 6 and 23 years old, originating from the “Sistema Solera” aging process. Zacapa No. 23 is aged in selected barrels that previously aged robust American whiskey, delicate sherries and fine Pedro Ximénez wines, creating a smooth & balanced rum. Zacapa No. 23 Rum is best served neat, on the rocks or in your favorite dark spirit cocktail.

On the nose, this spirit opens with a soft, sweet bouquet of caramel, vanilla, cacao, and butterscotch, followed by rich sherried aromas of caramelized roasted Brazil nuts and toasted hazelnut, rounded out with hints of toffee, banana, and dried pineapple. The palate is complex, generous, and full-bodied, beginning with layers of dried fruit and apricot that develop into savory notes of oak, nutmeg, leather, and tobacco, accented by coffee, vanilla, and a warming touch of cinnamon and ginger. The finish is intricate and lasting, with honeyed butterscotch, spiced oak, and lingering dried fruit.

Ron Zacapa No. 23 Rum Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Deep amber
• AROMA: Soft, sweet bouquet of caramel, vanilla, roasted nuts, toffee, banana, and dried pineapple
• TASTE: Complex layers of dried fruit and savory notes of oak accented by coffee, vanilla, with a warming touch of cinnamon and ginger
• FINISH: Intricate and long lasting
• ABV: 40%