Zakapa rum: history, overview, types, how and with what to drink, interesting facts

Zacapa rum (Zacapa) - a true work of art from Guatemala that combines depth of flavor, quality and reference ingredients. The rum is aged for about 23-25 years in oak barrels in the city of Quesaltenango, which is located in the mountains at an altitude of 2,300 meters. They used to store bourbon and sherry. Alcohol content 40-45%.

The history of Zacapa rum

In the 1930s, the Botran brothers created a company that was the best among Guatemalan rum producers until the 1970s. It was called Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala. It produced Botran rum.

1976 was a turning point in the brand's history, as blender Alejandro Burgaleta created the Zacapa drink. It was ahead of Botran in popularity.

The first representative of the line was Centenario 23, its distinctive feature was the petate palm mat packaging. In the second half of the XX century, a series of armed conflicts took place in Guatemala, which resulted in the suspension of the supply of packaging. But the Botran address is not lost.

He made an offer to peasant girls from the village of Gorti to work for him and produce palm braid. Thanks to the actions taken, the company was not left without packaging, residents without work and food during the Civil War. Later, Botran built a school in the village and developed the field of medicine.

To continue development and enter the international market, half of the shares were sold in 2013 to Diageo. This was followed by an expansion of the supply area and a systematic increase in sales.

Now Zacapa Centenario can be seen in the International Rum Festival Hall of Fame. Rum won this competition from 1998 to 2001.

How Zacapa rum is made

The main ingredient of rum is first-pressed cane juice, also called "virgin honey". The rum is distilled in cubes that remain motionless, then the Criadera and Solera aging system is used. Barrels are lined up in a row or pyramid, with the most aged alcohol in the very first (solera).

In each subsequent row - cryader - the youngest alcohol is stored. Approximately once a year, 10-15% of the liquid is bottled from the barrels with the most infused alcohol, and the vacant space is filled with the contents of the next floor. This helps to maintain a set quality level regardless of the harvest. What is happening is carefully monitored by an experienced blender Lorena Vazquez.

Barrels are made of white oak, the official symbol of several American states. They are sent from the town of Zacapaneca to Quesaltenango. The rum is infused in a dry and non-hot climate for at least 23 years. Alcohol evaporates slowly in this environment.

Types of Zacapa rum

1. Zacapa 23

   Aging 6-23 years. It has a complex flavor of honey, toffee, spicy oak and dried fruit. The color is similar to light mahogany.

   

2. Zacapa XO

   Aging 6-25 years. At the last stage of production, it is infused in French oak barrels that used to contain cognac. Perfectly combines sweetness, spice and fruity flavor. Has a mahogany color.

   

3. Zacapa Edición Negra

   Aging 6-24 years. At the last stages of production, it is stored in barrels of American whiskey and Pedro Ximenez wines. Amazing taste of chocolate, caramelized fruits, grapes and dried fruits, which is complemented by smoky notes. Rich mahogany color with copper tones.

   

4. Zacapa Royal

   Unique rum from the most aged barrels. The flavor bouquet is multifaceted and pleasant, citrus and caramel are clearly felt. It has a dark amber color with red tints.

   

How and with what to drink Zacapa rum

Cool the digestif to 18-21 °C before serving. П

There are no restrictions in the choice of dishes: glasses, whiskey glasses are suitable, but the bouquet will be especially revealed by snifters made in the form of a tulip.

You need to fill a third of the glass, hold it in your hand, so that the heat of the rum begins to give off more flavor. To reveal all the facets of taste, it is recommended to drink in small sips undiluted.

As an appetizer, desserts, cheeses, lean meat or expensive sausage, fish, seafood are suitable. Freshly brewed coffee, pineapple, cherry and citrus juices can be served with rum.

How to distinguish a fake Zacapa rum

1. The most important distinguishing feature is a palm stripe at the bottom or top of the bottle.

2. High-quality packaging, as it is an elite brand of rum.

3. The drink should be transparent, without sediment, with a characteristic mahogany color.

4. You can feel the engraving on the glass on Zacapa XO bottles.

Interesting facts

1. For 20 years, most respected print and electronic publications have included the brand's products in the "top 10" of the best rums.

2. When the decision was made to host the Olympics in Sochi, the Russian delegation was officially presented with rum.

3. The exact recipe of the drink is kept in the strictest confidence.

Update: 29.03.2020

Category: Rum