Ron Zacapa - 23 YO Etiqueta Negra Rum, 70 cl

Ron Zacapa Centenario

Zacapa Centenario was created back in 1976, named after the small town Zacapa in eastern Guatemala to celebrate the 100 ^th anniversary of the town, By doctor and chemist Dr.Burgaleta.

The Zacapa plantation is located in the volcanic plains of south-western Guatemala in a place called Retalhuleu, over 350m above sea level. It is here that the fertile, acidic soil and constant sunshine lend themselves perfectly to the cultivation of sugar cane. Unlike a large bulk of rums that use molasses, Zacapa uses the concentrated first press of the sugar cane which is known as "virgin sugar cane honey". This is thought to impart a sweeter, smoother flavor. This is said to be the first key step in creating the Zacapa taste profile. After the distillation process, the rum is taken into the highlands of Quetzaltenango, 2300m above sea level. This place is romantically called 'The House Above the Clouds'. This location has cooler temperatures with thinner air and atmospheric pressures which mean that the barrels are subjected to less air pressure variation and the infusion of flavours from the barrels is intensified. Zacapa rum is aged using a Sistema Solera which is based on a centuries old Spanish Sherry aging process. The Zacapa Sistema Solera involves the blending of rums of various ages ( in the case of Centenario 23, between 6 and 23 years old ) in casks that once housed Bourbon, Sherry and Pedro Ximenez Wines. Every single drop of rum drops through each type of cask during the process to allow the flavours and aromas present in each one to impart their influence on the aging Zacapa. This combination of the differing cask types and Sistema Solera allows for the production of a complex, rich and flavourful rum.

Ron Zacapa is a subsidiary of Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala, and distributed and marketed by Diageo.

The master blender Lorena Vazquez has worked for Ron Zacapa for more than 30 years, Lorena, likes Zacapa "neat and with good company". At a push, she finally revealed that she enjoys the 15 for cocktails, 23 with food and XO to finish a meal.

Ron Zacapa Centenario was the first rum to win first place in the premium rums category 4 years in a row at the International Rum Festival 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001. It was also the first rum to be included in the International Rum Festival's Hall of Fame.

Ron Zacapa is a subsidiary of Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala, and distributed and marketed by Diageo.

Zacapa 23 Etiqueta Negra

Containing a blend of rums from 6 to 23 years old

Keynote

Bolder in character than Zacapa 23, this rum's flavours are enhanced by the 43% ABV.

Appearance

Light mahogany, with the green lights of long barrel ageing at the rim and long, slow legs clinging to the glass.

Nose

Extremely expressive and complex, with notes of dried figs, chocolate, dried fruits and exotic spices.

Palate

Dense and sweet, with a spicy and smoky finish that lingers.

Etiqueta Negra is only available in select markets only.