Zacapa Rum: Review & Why You’ll Love These Four Kinds

by Libation Staff | Last Updated: September 19, 2021

Today’s post is for the rum lover. When you think of rum, you probably think of the Caribbean, pirates, and delicious cakes. What you might not know is that South America produces some of the best rums on the market. One of these is Zacapa Rum. 

Zacapa Rum is produced in Guatemala where the unique environment of volcanoes and microclimates add complexity to its taste via the sugarcane which grows in soil that is rich in volcanic nutrients. What also makes Zacapa Rum unique is that the producers use “virgin honey,” or the first press of the sugar cane and it is aged at 2,300 meters above sea level in a cellar known as “The house over the clouds.” 

But, that isn’t all! 

Not only does each bottle of Zacapa Rum come with a special band that is hand-knitted by women who are direct descendants of the Mayans (representing heaven and earth), but the blending and aging is managed by Brew Master Lorena Vasquez, one of the only experts in the industry who is a woman. 

Needless to say, this brand of rum is pretty badass!

If you’ve never tried Zacapa Rum, you might be curious as to where to start. Fortunately, I’ve tried the gamut of Zacapa Rum and these are my recommendations for The Best Zacapa Rum of 2021

Zacapa Rum

4 of the Best Zacapa Rums I Love Drinking

If you tell me that you don’t like any of these Zacapa Rums, then I’ll personally buy you a shot of your favorite rum. That’s how confident I am that you’re going to love these. 

#1: Zacapa Rum Centenario 23 Solera

If I could only have one variety of Zacapa Rum for the rest of my life, it would absolutely be Zacapa Rum Centenario 23 Solera. This variety originates in Quetzaltenango, in western Guatemala near the Santa Maria volcano. 

Centenario 23 Solero is a blended rum, made from rums that are between 6 and 23-years old. It has a dark mahogany color and tastes of caramel, spices, and raisins with an aroma of orange peel, smoke, vanilla, honey, and nuts. 

This rum is so smooth you could honestly have it with your breakfast. And I’m not the only one who adores Centenario 23 Solera–it has won best rum for five consecutive years in the International Rum Tasting and is a member of the rum hall of fame.  

#2: Zacapa Rum XO Rum Centenario

Zacapa Rum XO Rum Centenario is a great second choice in the Zacapa Rum family, but don’t let it being second make you think its sub-par. This ultra-premium rum is blended from six to 25-year old rums, uses first press sugarcane, and is aged in French oak cognac barrels. The resulting color is a reddish mahogany and it smells of plums and dates with a spicy, fruit taste. 

#3: Zacapa Rum Centenario Royal

Zacapa Rum Centenario Royal is a premium aged rum that is a blend of rums that have been aged between eight and 30-years. This rum is typically saved for special occasions because of its complex and unique character. 

With its dark, reddish color, Centenario Royal is more citric with caramel notes and is probably the best Zacapa Rum to have neat.  

#4: Zacapa Rum Black Edition

If the cost of the previous Zacapa Rum has you rethinking purchasing any of the rums that they offer, don’t fret. Zacapa Rum Black Edition is a much more affordable spirit that still allows you to experience the greatness of Zacapa Rum without the hefty price tag or loss of quality. 

The Black Edition is made of rums that were aged between six and 23-years old, resulting in a dark mahogany color that flickers as red when exposed to light. You will notice a spicy oak, mellow caramel, raisin flavor, and you can drink this variety either pure or with a bit of ice. 

Final Thoughts on Zacapa Rum

Rum is always a popular choice when it comes to adult beverages. Whether you like your rum in a cocktail, neat, or over ice, you have many, many brands on the market when it comes to rum. And while many of these brands are great, I find that not many can be as great as Zacapa Rum. 

Zacapa Rum is an amazing brand because of its uniqueness of ingredients, where it’s produced, how it’s produced, and the women who bring their ancestry and expertise to the forefront of this amazing spirit. 

If you want to step up your rum game, consider one of these options listed above. Thank me later!

Buy It Now – Click Here