Zacapa XO Centenario Gran Reserva Especial Rum

A stylish luxurious Zacapa XO Solera Gran Reserva Especial limited-release rum. On the nose, balance of mature toasted oak, burnt caramel, dry roasted nuts, marzipan and orange peel with a delicate fruit deep note at the end. In the mouth, a superb intensity and balance of sweetness, soft brown sugar, toffee, spicy oak, fruit, spice and spirit. Long, smooth and sweet with dark cherry, chocolate, date, prune with sweet oak spices of clove, vanilla and cinnamon. At the ned, lighter notes of dried mango, raspberry and ginger on the finish.

• Distillery: Ron Zacapa
• Type: Dark Rum
  
• Region: Guatemala
  
• Alcohol: 40%
  
• Volume: 700ml
  
• Goes with: Neat, over ice, orange garnish, dark chocolate
  

Zacapa XO is a unique balance of complex aromas and flavours resulting from the exclusive blend of reserve rums. Zacapa hand select rums aged between 10 and 25 years in the “Sistema Solera.” Older and younger rums are then blended as they age in a sequence of barrels that previously stored robust American whiskeys, delicate Sherries, fine Pedro Ximénez wines and finished in French oak casks which previously aged Cognac. Zacapa XO is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks and pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and desserts.

Ron Zacapa rums are made from sugar cane harvested in southern Guatemala, which is pressed into virgin sugar cane honey. The fermentation process uses a yeast strain (saccharomyces cerevisae) isolated from pineapples to transform sugars within the ‘honey’ into alcohol. This fermentation process takes approximately 5 days after which the fermented ‘wine’ is distilled in a single continuous column.

After distillation, the 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 7000 feet above sea level where the ambient temperature is much more stable and the oxygen levels are lower than at lower elevations. The more stable ambient temperature ensures that the aging barrels are subject to less differential air pressure between the outside and the inside of the barrel.

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 flavours to combine. 

Zacapa rums are aged using a process they call ‘Sistema Solera’ which is based on the system used to age Spanish sherry. 

• Gold - 2022 The Luxury Masters (The Spirits Business) - Ultra Premium Dark Rum
• Platinum - 2002 International Rum Festival - Super-Premium
• Gold - 2000 International Rum Festival - Super-Premium