The summer heat has me thinking of beaches and the tropics. And what better drink for sand and sun than rum?
And what better rum than Ron Zacapa 23?
Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 is a premium rum from Guatemala. It is made using the concentrated first-pressing of sugar cane juice, then aged and blended using the solera method traditionally used for Spanish sherries.
The Zacapa Centenario is blended from aged stocks ranging from 6 to 23 years. The aging barrels used are a mixture of casks that previously housed American whisky, sherry, and Pedro Ximenez, an intensely sweet, dark dessert sherry from Jerez, Spain. The combination of solera aging and the variety of reused barrels creates a highly complex rum with a rich aroma and flavor.
After distillation, Zacapa rum is transported to the ‘House above the Clouds’ in the Guatemalan mountains for maturation. Special cellars age the rum at an altitude of more than 7,000 feet above sea level
According to Master Blender, Lorena Vásquez, “Zacapa is aged at high altitude where the temperature is lower. The lower temperature also directly influences the oxygen levels which are lower as well, and this lower oxygen level aids in a slower aging process. The slower aging, allows for more time for the aromas and flavors to combine.”
Zacapa Centenario 23 was the first rum to be included in the International Rum Festival’s Hall of Fame.
This renowned rum sports a mahogany color with long, slow legs clinging to one’s glass. Sweet notes of fruit, vanilla, almond, chocolate, and butterscotch, complimented with toasted wood welcome you in its aroma.
Its body is dense, carrying an intriguing complexity from the blend of various ages, yet very balanced with a long, smooth finish. The depth of flavor contains elements of raisin and apricot, followed by savory oak, nutmeg, and toffee with sweet vanilla and honey.
This is one of my favorite sipping rums. Try it neat or with a big clean chunk of ice. Zacapa is also delightful as the base for a Rum Old Fashioned.
Wyatt’s carries Ron Zacapa Centenario 23, along with many other brands, in our rum section–the largest in Longmont.
Come in and see for yourself!