Ron Zacapa Gran Reserva

Guatemala's Most Celebrated Rum

Ron Zacapa Centenario Solera Gran Reserva is a premium Guatemalan rum with a rich history. Created in 1976 by Dr. Alejandro Burgaleta to mark the centenary of the town of Zacapa in eastern Guatemala, it is made from virgin sugarcane honey — the first pressing of the cane — rather than molasses, giving it a naturally sweeter, more refined character.

The sugarcane is harvested from the volcanic plateau of Retalhuleu at 350 metres above sea level. Fermentation uses Zacapa's own unique yeast strain, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. Distillation takes place in a copper single-column still, and the rum then ages at high altitude — 2,300 metres above sea level — in Quetzaltenango. At this altitude, the cooler temperatures allow the rum to age more slowly and develop greater complexity than is typical in tropical climates.

Ageing follows a Sistema Solera, blending rums aged between 6 and 23 years in a progression of bourbon, oloroso, and PX sherry casks. Each bottle is adorned with a hand-woven petate, a Mayan symbol representing the unity of time, place, and of earth and sky. A five-time award-winning rum, distributed worldwide by Diageo.

Tasting notes: Colour: light mahogany. Nose: caramel, vanilla, cocoa, butterscotch, roasted Brazil nuts, roasted hazelnuts, and dried pineapple. Palate: deliciously complex, full, and smooth — sweet honey, dried fruit, and apricot jam; towards the finish, more oak, nutmeg, leather, tobacco, coffee, and delicately sweet vanilla, balanced with a spicy note of cinnamon and ginger. The finish is long and warming.

How to enjoy

• Neat or over a single large ice cube
• In a classic Old Fashioned or Rum Sour
• Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, coffee desserts, or a fine cigar

Details

• Producer: Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala / Diageo
• Style: Sistema Solera Premium Rum
• Ageing: 6–23 years, bourbon, oloroso & PX sherry casks
• Base: Virgin sugarcane honey
• ABV: 40%
• Format: 700ml
• Origin: Guatemala