Cover Unearth what makes Ron Zacapa truly exceptional. Through the delicate blending process and the unique aging process, it all culminates into your perfect sip.
Unearth what makes Ron Zacapa truly exceptional. Through the delicate blending process and the unique aging process, it all culminates into your perfect sip.
1 / 1
Tatler+
Ron Zacapa’s unconventional ageing and blending techniques allows Ron Zacapa No.23 and Zacapa XO an unrivalled reputation within the world of luxury spirits
Within the world of premium rum, few hold the reputation that Ron Zacapa has. Ron Zacapa excels in many of the hallmarks that determine a premium spirit, namely heritage and craftsmanship.
Carving out a distinguished place for itself within the industry, Zacapa stands as a prominent player, even throughout the premiumisation of spirits, and demonstrates again and again how terroir and unique ageing techniques can elevate rum to a true luxury collectible.
Their story began in 1976 in the eastern Guatemalan town of Zacapa. Patriotic in their roots, the creation of the brand was to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the town’s foundation. From the moment of its inception, their goal was clear—to create a rum that was different from the white rums prevalent at the time. White rums were predominantly younger spirits, with little to no ageing process. Zacapa wanted to change that and was focused on how different ageing processes could develop the flavour of their spirit.
In case you missed it: Portal Guatemala: Zacapa treats Southeast Asia with exquisite rum experience
Above The Zacapa XO, the beating heart of Ron Zacapa
The Zacapa XO, the beating heart of Ron Zacapa
1 / 1
These Guatemalan roots are essential to its identity, drawing from the country's rich, mineral-rich volcanic soil and pristine rivers that nourish the sugar cane. This unique terroir imparts an unmistakable character into every bottle, a tangible expression of Guatemala's landscape and soul.
It all begins with the first press of virgin sugar cane honey. This foundational choice imparts a natural sweetness and depth to the spirit, setting the tone of the spirit immediately. This liquid then undergoes a unique fermentation process, using yeast strains extracted from pineapples.
What truly makes Ron Zacapa special is the journey the spirit embarks on from its inception. From the shadowed lowlands of Retalhuleu to the highlands of Quetzaltenango, the difference of 2,300 metres above sea level brings this exceptional liquid to another level.
Above Aged in the clouds, its an expression that is as unique as ever
Aged in the clouds, its an expression that is as unique as ever
1 / 1
This unique ageing environment is known as the “House Above the Clouds” and is central to Zacapa’s identity and its uniqueness. Here, the cool, crisp mountain air slows down the maturation process, allowing the rum to use time as an additional flavour element. A thoughtful combination of the high-altitude, the mineral-rich volcanic soil, and the pristine rivers of Southern Guatemala, this is where their signature aroma, vibrant colour, and extraordinary flavour truly takes place and forms into what we know and love.
Guiding this intricate process is the visionary Master Blender, Lorena Vásquez, a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated industry and one of the few female master blenders in the world of spirits. With a background in chemistry and a career dedicated to Zacapa, she meticulously oversees each stage of production, ensuring unparalleled quality and consistency. It was Vásquez who pioneered the high-altitude ageing, pushing the process beyond tradition by raising Zacapa's cellar to a place above the clouds.
Above The powerhouse that is Lorena Vasquez, the Master Blender of Ron Zacapa
The powerhouse that is Lorena Vasquez, the Master Blender of Ron Zacapa
1 / 1
Accentuating the already incredible ageing process, she experiments with different casks using “Sistema Solera”. This method involves guiding the liquid through a series of barrels, blending rums of different ages and bringing out the individual personalities of each liquid. Zacapa is typically aged in French oak barrels and casks that were ex-American whiskeys, delicate sherries, and fine Pedro Ximénez wines. These all influence the final product by allowing exceptional depth of flavour and complexity through each sip.
The “Sistema Solera” method produces two incredible expressions from the brand, Zacapa XO and Zacapa No.23.
Zacapa XO is the beating heart of Ron Zacapa. Finished in French ex-cognac oak barrels, this distinctive flavour profile can only be achieved with the exclusive blend of hand selected reserve rums that have been aged for 10 to 25 years using “Sistema Solera”. Travelling through the wondrous barrels of ex-American whiskey, charred ex-American whiskey, Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximénez, and French oak ex-cognac casks. This combination has created a rum with a luxurious balance of mature toasted oak, burnt caramel, dry-roasted nuts, marzipan, and a subtle hint of orange peel on the nose. The finish is equally complex, revealing lighter hints of dried mango, raspberry, and ginger that give length to every sip.
Above Aging Zacapa barrels
Aging Zacapa barrels
1 / 1
The second expression of the Ron Zacapa portfolio is Zacapa No. 23, a delicate blend of rums aged between 6 and 23 years. Also travelling through the “Sistema Solera” method, it utilises the complexity of casks that previously held American whiskey, charred American whiskey, Olosoro Sherry, and Pedro Ximénez casks. On the nose, it opens with soft aromas of caramel, vanilla, and cacao, and accentuated with sherried notes of caramelised nuts, toffee, and dried pineapple. On the palate you will find that it is full-bodied, with deep dried fruit and apricot flavours that evolve into savoury oak, nutmeg, leather, and tobacco that rounds off with the spiced nuance of cinnamon and ginger. On the finish, it reveals honeyed butterscotch undertones that linger. With such a complex profile, each expression in a drink, whether neat, on ice, or in a cocktail, brings out a different drinking experience.
Above Paying homage to its mayan roots
Paying homage to its mayan roots
1 / 1
Beyond the liquid itself, every bottle of Ron Zacapa is a tribute to Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage. This connection is most beautifully expressed through the handwoven Petate band, crafted by the local community. This iconic band is far more than a decorative element; it is a tangible symbol of Mayan tradition, unity, and artistry, rooted in 3,000 years of the region's culture.
Not only is each bottle a tangible expression of creativity and tradition, the brand itself embodies much more. Let it inspire you to be a dreamer and visionary, let it give you the aspiration to move your cellar above the clouds. Luxury is not confined to all that glitters, but rather a breadth of experiences that captivate, enchant, and spark wonder.
Above A delicate blend of rums create No 23
A delicate blend of rums create No 23
1 / 1
Let the spirit of adventure take over you at select outlets of The Chamber and Hank’s, or try out the exclusive Ron Zacapa 23 Cocktail, located in one of the highest bars in Kuala Lumpur, Cacao Mixology & Chocolate on the 75th floor of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
Credits
Images: Ron Zacapa
Keandra's expertise lies within writing deep dives into the culture and anthropology of food, sometimes with a philosophical twist. With a background in London's F&B consultancy scene, she's excited to be back in Kuala Lumpur to champion the local dining scene.
Reach her at keandra.hing@tatlerasia.com, @keandruh
