Whether its the fact that it is extracted and blended 2300 metres above sea level at The House Above The Clouds in Guatemala, or that this process in overseen by women that makes Ron Zacapa rum so special, we don’t know. But special it is.
The rum, made with the Sistema Solera ageing process and known for it’s smoothness, is now available in South Africa. Food24 attended the launch in Cape Town recently and it was a tasteful affair. Check out the pictures on the Ron Zacapa Facebook Page.
What makes Zacapa different:
Most rums use molasses as their base. Zacapa, however, is different. A sweeter, more balanced foundation is achieved through virgin sugar cane honey. This base ensures the rum’s remarkable taste and the profile begins to develop from the very beginning.
Ron Zacapa 23 (retailing at R499 a bottle) is wonderfully intricate, with honeyed butterscotch, spiced oak and raisined fruit, showcasing the complexity of the Sistema Solera ageing process, which involves blending rums of various ages in casks that once held robust American whiskey, delicate sherry and fine Pedro Ximenez wines.
The 23 contains a masterful blend of rums from 6 to 23 years old. To gain the full complexity and balance of the keynotes, it is best served over a single large lump of pure, clear ice in a luxury rocks glass with a heavy base.
The petate, woven from the fibers of the palm of petate, is a 3,000 year-old tradition that unites creativity with heritage and ensures no two bottles of Zacapa are the same. Each bottle is carefully wrapped with the hand-made petate. Hundreds of women in Guatemala are employed to weave these petates for Ron Zacapa.
Named after a Guatemalan city in celebration of its centenary, Zacapa is a fantastic spirit with which to create exciting and cutting edge cocktails. The complex tasting notes range from fruity to sweet and spicy, yet offers a character that’s satisfyingly balanced – helping it earn third place in ‘Top Trending’ rums in Drinks International’s 2013 ‘World’s 50 Best Bars’ report.
Where to buy it:
Now that you know a little bit of this mystical rum’s history and are keen to try it out, whether on the rocks or in a cocktail, the good news is that it is available in South Africa in Pick n Pay, SPAR tops, GAME and Checkers. Look out for the patate and the enticing liquid in the bottle.
You can find out all the information on Ron Zacapa rum if you visit the Ron Zacapa SA Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.