House Above the Clouds . Guatemala
Ron Zacapa: A Rum Aged Above the Clouds
Ron Zacapa is a premium Guatemalan rum renowned for its exceptional quality and unique aging process. Here's a look at its history, heritage, and production:
History:
- Founded in 1976: Created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the city of Zacapa, Guatemala.
- "House Above the Clouds": Zacapa is uniquely aged at a high altitude (over 2,300 meters) in the Guatemalan highlands, where cooler temperatures and lower atmospheric pressure slow down the aging process, allowing the rum to develop complex flavors more gradually.
Heritage:
- Guatemalan Craftsmanship: Zacapa embodies Guatemalan craftsmanship and tradition, with a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability.
- Solera System: The rum is aged using the Solera system, a traditional method of blending rums of different ages, resulting in consistent quality and complexity.
- Sustainable Practices: Zacapa is committed to sustainable practices, including supporting local communities and minimizing its environmental impact.
Production:
- "Virgin Honey": Zacapa uses "virgin honey," the first pressing of sugarcane juice, which is richer in flavor than molasses.
- Traditional Methods: Traditional distillation methods are employed, followed by a meticulous aging process.
- Unique Aging Process:
After distillation, Zacapa undergoes an amazing journey from the volcano-shadowed lowlands to the head of a valley 2,300 meters (7,545 feet) above sea level where the cooler, moist climate in the ‘House Above the Clouds’
The fresh mountain air delicately ages the rum, enabling the development of the deep aroma, body, full colour and rich flavour of Zacapa.
The "House Above the Clouds" aging facility plays a crucial role in developing the rum's unique character. The cooler temperatures and lower atmospheric pressure at this altitude slow down the aging process, allowing the flavors to develop more subtly and gradually. - Solera System: The Solera system involves a series of oak barrels, with the oldest rum at the bottom. A portion of the oldest rum is drawn off, and the remaining space is filled with slightly younger rum. This process creates a blend of rums of varying ages, resulting in a consistent and complex flavor profile.
Key Characteristics:
- Complex Flavors: Zacapa is known for its complex and nuanced flavor profile, with notes of dried fruits, caramel, vanilla, oak, spice, and sometimes even chocolate and coffee.
- Smooth and Velvety: The rum is exceptionally smooth and velvety with a long, satisfying finish.
- High Altitude Aging: The unique aging process at high altitude contributes to its distinctive character.
Ron Zacapa 23
A blend of rums aged 6-23 years, aged in casks that previously held robust American whiskies and fine wines for a complex and balanced sip.
AROMA
- Rich and complex, with notes of caramel, vanilla, honey, dried fruit (raisins, figs), toasted oak, cocoa, and baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg). Hints of orange zest and light smokiness add depth.
APPEARANCE
- Deep amber with mahogany and copper highlights, showcasing its extended Solera aging.
PALATE
- Smooth and well-balanced, featuring flavors of toffee, butterscotch, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and sweet spice. Hints of dried fruit, honey, and a touch of sherry influence give it a layered sweetness. The oak aging imparts a mild smokiness and warmth.
FINISH
- Long, warm, and elegant, with lingering notes of vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, and a touch of oak spice. The smooth, slightly sweet aftertaste makes it a luxurious sipping rum.
Zacapa Edicion Negra
A blend of rums aged 6-24 years, aged in double charred oak casks for a smoky, woody finish.
AROMA
- Intense and complex with smoky oak, caramelized sugar, dark chocolate, dried fruit (raisins, figs), and hints of vanilla, spice, and toasted nuts. A touch of leather and espresso adds depth.
APPEARANCE
- Deep mahogany with amber and copper hues, showing rich viscosity when swirled in the glass.
PALATE
- Rich, full-bodied, and velvety smooth. Layers of dark caramel, toffee, and molasses blend with smoky oak, roasted coffee, and hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. A well-balanced sweetness is complemented by a smoky dryness.
FINISH
- Long, warming, and lingering with notes of charred oak, bittersweet cocoa, and a subtle smokiness. The sweetness gradually fades into a dry, spiced finale with a touch of tobacco and dark fruit.
Ron Zacapa XO
A blend of rums aged 10-25 years and finished in French oak casks that previously held Cognac for a smooth finish.
AROMA
- Exceptionally complex and elegant. Layers of dried fruit (figs, raisins, dates), vanilla, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. Hints of caramelized sugar, baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), and a touch of floral honey. A refined balance of sweetness and woody depth.
APPEARANCE
- Deep amber with ruby and mahogany highlights. Thick, slow-moving legs in the glass, indicating its rich viscosity.
PALATE
- Silky, rich, and well-rounded. Notes of toffee, caramel, and dark cherry blend seamlessly with spiced oak, roasted nuts, and bittersweet chocolate. Subtle hints of orange peel and baking spices add depth, while a touch of cognac influence provides extra refinement.
FINISH
- Long, smooth, and luxurious. Warm oak spice, dark chocolate, and dried fruit linger, with a delicate balance of sweetness and dryness. A refined, velvety fade with lingering notes of vanilla and toasted oak.