Ron Zacapa 23 Rum - 40% ABV, 70cl

Ron Zacapa

Awarded 5 years in a row (1998-2002) with the First place and Gold medal in the premium rums category in the "International Rum Tasting Contest"of the Caribbean Week's Rum Taste Test.Chosen to inaugurate the "Rum International Hall of Fame"in the "International Rum Festival 2003"in Canada.From 19th century railroad to 21st century rumIn eastern Guatemala, 229m above sea level, lies the town of Zacapa. Founded in 1876 as a bustling railroad stop, the resident population was soon joined by travellers from around the world, leaving a legacy that can still be seen today in local surnames. In 1976, the town reached its centenary. To celebrate this historic event, Guatemala's premier rum-producing company decided to create something special. By harnessing expert knowledge gained over many years, a unique premium spirit was born: Ron Zacapa Centenario.A symbol of pride on every bottleAs the heart of the ancient Mayan empire, Guatemala's history stretches back thousands of years. We're proud to say the Mayan period continues to influence Guatemalan art, culture and language. This heritage is intrinsic to the craftsmanship of Zacapa, which is why we adorn every bottle with a petate band. A royal Mayan symbol representing the unity of time and space, earth and sky, each petate band is traditionally hand-woven in villages of the Departments of Chiquimula, El Quiche and El Progreso.A sweeter, more balanced foundationOur plantation is located on the volcanic plains of Retalhuleu, 350m above sea level in south-western Guatemala. Due to the fertile, acidic soil and year-round sunshine, no other place in the world is better suited to the cultivation of sugar cane. Most rums use molasses, a by-product of the sugar making process, as their base; Zacapa, however, is different. To impart a sweeter, smoother flavour, Zacapa uses only the concentrated first press of sugar cane, known as virgin sugar cane honey. This is the very point at which our rum's remarkable taste and profile begin to develop.The definition of characterWhen it's time to start fermentation, we introduce our own strain of yeast extracted from pineapples: Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This yeast produces the precise aromatic compounds Zacapa requires, and so we ferment slowly, to give the yeast the time it needs to work. Distillation is what defines the character of Zacapa. A single column still, lined with copper to add flavour and remove impurities, is used to distil Zacapa Rum. And to ensure the correct balance is achieved, the whole process is minutely controlled by our experts.Coolly aged to perfectionIn the highlands of Quetzaltenango, 2300m above sea level, lies The House Above the Clouds. This stunning location - one of the highest ageing facilities in the world - is where Zacapa Rum slowly develops its complex flavour and character over time. Here in the mountains, the cool temperature slows the ageing process, while the thinner air and lower atmospheric pressure helps intensify the infusion of flavours from the barrels. Only in this precise spot can Zacapa's exceptionally deep aroma, full colour and rich palate emerge to reach perfection.The luxury of timeOnce the barrels of distilled Zacapa are in place at The House Above the Clouds, it's time to start the complex, finely balanced ageing process. We use a unique Sistema Solera, based on a Spanish tradition developed over 500 years ago to age sherry. Our Sistema Solera involves blending rums of various ages in casks that once held robust American whiskey, delicate sherry and fine Pedro Ximenez wines. Every drop of rum passes through each type of cask, allowing each one to share its aromas and flavours with the maturing liquid. The result is a remarkable rum of exceptional quality.

Diageo,Lakeside Drive,London,NW10 7HQ.

Diageo,Lakeside Drive,London,NW10 7HQ.www.zacaparum.com