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Zacapa Rum – a real work of art from Guatemala, which combines the depth of taste, quality and reference ingredients. Rum is aged for about 23-25 years in oak barrels in the city of Quetzaltenango, which is located in the mountains at an altitude of 2 m. Once they kept bourbon and sherry. Alcohol content 300–40%.
rum cocktails
History of Roma Zacapa
In the 1930s of the XX century, the Botran brothers created a company that until the 1970s was the best among Guatemalan rum producers. They called it Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala. She produced rum “Botran”.
1976 was a turning point in the history of the brand, because blender Alejandro Burgaleta created the Zacapa drink. In terms of popularity, he was ahead of Botran.
The first representative of the line was the Centenario 23, its distinctive feature was the packaging of petate palm matting. In the second half of the XNUMXth century, a series of armed conflicts took place in Guatemala, due to which the packaging stopped being supplied. But Address Botran was not taken aback.
He made an offer to peasant girls from the settlement of Horthy to work for him and make 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.
In order to continue development and enter the international market, half of the shares were sold in 2013 to the Diageo concern. This was followed by the expansion of the supply area and a systematic increase in sales.
Now Zacapa Centenario can be seen in the hall of fame of the International Rum Festival. Rum won this competition from 1998 to 2001.
How Zacapa Rum is Made
The main ingredient of rum is the juice of the first extraction from the cane, it is also called “virgin honey”. Rum is distilled in cubes that remain motionless, then the Criadera and Solera aging system is used. Barrels are built in a row or in a pyramid, in the very first (solera), the most seasoned alcohol.
In each next row – criadere – the youngest alcohol is stored. About once a year, 10–15% of the liquid is bottled from barrels with the most infused alcohol, and the vacated space is filled with the contents of the next floor. This helps to maintain the set quality bar, regardless of the harvest. What is happening is carefully monitored by experienced blender Lorena Vazquez.
Barrels are made from white oak, the official symbol of several American states. They are sent from the city of Zacapaneca to Quetzaltenango. Rum is infused in a dry and cool climate for at least 23 years. Alcohol in such an environment evaporates slowly.
Types of Roma Zacapa
Zacapa 23
Aged 6–23 years. It has a complex taste of honey, toffee, spicy oak and dried fruit. The color is similar to light mahogany.
Zacapa XO
Exposure 6-25 years. At the last stage of production, it is infused in French oak barrels, which previously contained cognac. Perfectly combines sweetness, sharpness and fruity taste. Has a mahogany color.
Zacapa Black Edition
Aged 6–24 years. In the last stages of production, it is stored in barrels from American whiskey and Pedro Ximenez wines. Amazing taste of chocolate, caramelized fruits, grapes and dried fruits, which is complemented by smoky notes. Intense mahogany color with copper undertones.
Zacapa Royal
A unique rum from the most seasoned 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
Before serving, the digestif must be cooled to 18-21 ° C. P
There are no restrictions in the choice of dishes: glasses, glasses for whiskey are suitable, but snifters made in the shape of a tulip will especially open the bouquet.
It is necessary to fill the third part of the glass, hold it in your hand, so that the rum begins to give off more aroma from the heat. To reveal all the facets of taste, it is recommended to drink in small sips undiluted.
Desserts, cheeses, lean meats or expensive sausages, fish, seafood are suitable as snacks. From drinks to rum, you can serve freshly brewed coffee, juices from pineapples, cherries and citrus.
How to distinguish a fake Zacapa rum
The most important distinguishing feature is the palm strip at the bottom or top of the bottle.
Quality packaging, as it is an elite brand of rum.
The drink should be transparent, without sediment, the characteristic color of mahogany.
On Zacapa XO bottles, you can feel the engravings on the glass.
Interesting Facts
For 20 years, most of the respected print and electronic publications have included the brand’s products in the “top 10” of the best rums.
When the decision was made to hold the Olympics in Sochi, the Russian delegation was presented with rum at the official level.
The exact recipe for the drink is kept in the strictest confidence.
Relevance: 29.03.2020
Tags: Rum, Roma brands