Zacapa. one of the titans in the premium rum
sector. Often the only premium aged rum that non rum-drinkers can name. this is due in part to the superb Diageo distribution network. Famous for being aged “above the clouds” in
Guatemala, talented master blender, Lorena Vazquez and identified in the store by it's woven
palm-leaf bottle adornment. Zacapa has always been known as an excellent rum,
but the ultra premium XO is an especially nice expression. If you
go to the source in Guatemala, you'll find something else: Zacapa’s
limited edition blend.
"Zacapa releases a special edition each
year, for sale within Guatemala and select markets around the world (although
not the United States). And Rum
Journal was lucky enough to grab a bottle on a recent trip to Guatemala City. Zacapa’s 23-year blend has rums as old as
23 years; the 2015 Reserva Limitada, however, has a blend of rums between six
and 24 years." The rums are matured in American white oak
barrels that had formerly held sherry, Pedro Ximenez wine and American
whiskeys.
"The Limited has a rich,
slightly dark caramel color. It has a
sweet aroma of vanilla, pepper, candied fruit and the slightest hint of citrus
peel. The flavor profile is marked by
tropical fruit, molasses (although this is a sugarcane-juice rum), some vanilla
and some spice. The finish is peppery
and oaky." How is it different from the Zacapa 23 you’re used to? It’s got a different kind of warmth, a
different complexity, but also a bit more of a raw quality. Often rums with more aging are a little
softer around the edges — this one isn’t — this one has some fire in its
belly. And that’s a good thing. "
