Zacapa Rum is known for many things—craftsmanship, heritage, and prestige. But above all, the renowned rum label treasures its woven ties with Guatemala. The very name Zacapa pays homage to the Guatemalan city and its rich agricultural lands.
In Zacapa, lush fields stretch as far as the eye can see, where sugar cane—the region’s prized export—is cultivated and harvested. Unlike other labels that favour honey or molasses, Zacapa Rum sets itself apart with its exclusive use of virgin sugar cane, prized for its sweetness and distinctive flavour.
After distillation, Zacapa Rum travels 2,300 metres above sea level to the brand’s House Above the Clouds. Here, the spirit ages in cooler mountain air, where lower atmospheric pressure slows the maturation process, imbuing the rum with greater body and a symphony of aromas and flavours. These details are not marketing spin, but insights from Lorena Vásquez, Zacapa’s master blender. At 70, she is one of the world’s first female master blenders and will mark her 41st anniversary with the brand this September.
Vásquez’s joy is palpable when she speaks of the Sistema Solera, where rums are matured in casks that once held cognac, sherry, or Pedro Ximénez wines. By balancing and refining how the spirits evolve in these vessels, she creates blends that redefine what rum can be.
A standout example is Zacapa XO, first released to mark the year 2000. On the nose, it offers burnt caramel, roasted nuts, marzipan, and a lift of orange zest. On the palate, it unfolds with dried fruit, spice, and a silky, complex finish. Its character comes in part from French oak casks previously used for cognac. Recognition has followed: in 2024 and 2025, Zacapa XO won Double Gold and Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
“While Zacapa Rum is rooted in tradition and Guatemalan heritage, innovating with different casks and flavours allows our blends to truly fly on the global stage,” Vásquez notes. After close to five decades in the rum business, Zacapa Rum is now looking to redefine how spirit connoisseurs in Asia view and appreciate the spirit. And as the heart and hub of Southeast Asia, Singapore plays a fundamental part in these plans.
That must be why Zacapa Rum chose Singapore as the first stop on its voyage around Asia. The brand’s vibrant celebration was held at contemporary fusion restaurant Sushisamba, where Vásquez showcased Zacapa XO alongside standout dishes including yakitori, sushi, and lobster tacos. The pairings highlighted how Zacapa’s layered depth resonates with Asian and South American cuisines.
The evening began with cocktails featuring Zacapa No. 23. My favourite? The Zacapa Old Fashioned—elevated with brown sugar and citrus, it revealed a honeyed sweetness unlike any I’d tasted before.
That is the beauty of the Zacapa portfolio: XO appeals to seasoned spirits lovers, while No. 23 warmly welcomes newcomers. “The Zacapa No. 23 is like a friendly face—warm and approachable. Its touch of sweetness opens the door to the Zacapa universe,” Vásquez quips.
Along with Zacapa Rum global brand ambassador Vanessa Leon, Vásquez led the charge—and the energy—for the rest of the night. Between generous sips of XO and No. 23, the duo engaged guests in spirited conversation about our favourite rum cocktails, travels and more. So naturally, when it came to sharing about the culture and heritage of Zacapa Rum, the excitement reached an all-time high.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was when Leon brought out a set of petate bands, hand-woven out of dried palm by women in displaced Guatemalan villages. Per traditional Mayan beliefs, the petate symbolises the convergence of the universe. As Leon poetically puts it: “The pattern represents the unification of the moon and sun; the day and night; the spiritual and the physical.” These bands, which take pride of place on the Zacapa No. 23 bottle, serve as a poignant reminder of the label’s emotional connection to its Guatemalan roots.
It is this balance of conviviality and devotion to heritage that makes Zacapa Rum a true game-changer in the rarefied world of luxury spirits.
Discover more about Zacapa Rum here. As always, please drink responsibly. To learn more about beverage alcohol facts, please visit www.drinkIQ.com.
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