Ron Zacapa is produced in Guatemala by
Rum Creation and Products, a subsidiary of
Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala. It is distributed and marketed by
Diageo.
Ron Zacapa is named after a town in eastern Guatemala. Their plantation is located high on the volcanic plains of
Retalhuleu,
1148ft (350m) above sea level.
Most
Rums use molasses as their base, Zacapa, however, to impart a sweeter and smoother flavor, uses only the concentrated first press of sugar cane, known as
virgin sugar cane honey.
When it’s time to start the fermentation, a strain of yeast extracted from
pineapples is used, which produces unique ‘Zacapa’ aromatic compounds.
The fresh distilled Rum is transported the
House Above the Clouds, Zacapa’s aging facility, located
2,300 meters above sea level.
The cool temperatures at such an altitude provide a more
consistent,
slowly paced aging process.
Zacapa Rums are also produced using a
Sistema solera technique, which is a method traditionally reserved for Sherry production.
The Rums mature in new American oak, charred oak, sherry and Pedro Ximénez Sherry barrels, using casks that are never fully drained.
These casks add a further
depth and complexity of flavor to each Rum, yielding a spirit with deep mahogany hues, and notes of vanilla, coffee, toffee, dried fruits, tobacco, and hazelnut.