Zacapa Sistema Solera 23 Rum 70cl

Description

AGED ABOVE THE CLOUDS: ZACAPA SISTEMA SOLERA 23 RUM

Introduction

Zacapa rum is named after the city of Zacapa in Guatemala, and was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary celebration of its foundation. Coming from the Aztec Nahuatl language, the name Zacapa means “on the river of grass. Proudly made in Guatemala, Zacapa 23 Rum is a blend of rums aged between 6-23 years. They age the rum using casks that previously held robust American whiskies and fine wines, giving this delicious rum a complex and balanced sip.

The Process

Zacapa Rum is made using the first press of virgin sugar cane, instead of molasses (which is more common). By using sugar cane, it makes the rum sweeter and smoother. The yeast used during the fermentation process is derived from pineapples, which brings out incredible aromas and flavours, and through the distillation process the aroma and flavour charater and profiles are defind for each of the Zacapa Rums.

The Rum Journey

Master Blender, Lorena Vásquez carefully selects a range of cask types and styles for each rum to capture specific flavours and textures, and that will give the perfect colour. Each rum uses a selection of base casks and a unique cask. Zacapa No. 23 base casks are American oak and charred American oak barrels that previously aged American whiskey and casks that previously aged Oloroso Sherry. The unique cask for this rum previously aged Pedro Ximénez wines. 

Aged Above The Clouds

Zacapa Rum is aged 2,300 metres above sea level, allowing the rum to develop a deeper aroma and rich layeres of flavour. Their master blender, Lorena Vásquez explains that “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.”

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet aroma of vanilla, cacao and butterscotch with notes of caramelized roasted brazil nuts and toasted hazelnut. It has fruity notes of banana and dried pineapple and a touch of toffee.

Taste: Complex, generous and full bodied, the taste starts with a depth of dried fruit and apricot, building to savoury oak, nutmeg, leather and tobacco with notes of coffee and vanilla, balanced with a spicy touch of cinnamon and ginger.

Finish: It has an intricate finish with honeyed butterscotch, spiced oak, dried fruit and a hint of smoke.

More from Zacapa

Perfect Serve

Zacapa No. 23 Rum is best served neat, or on the rocks but is also the star in a rum cocktail, like a Daiquiri.

You could also use rum to make a twist on an Old Fashioned - add 45ml Zacapa No. 23 to a mixing glass with ice and add 10ml simple syrup, a dash of aromatic bitters and a dash of chocolate bitters. Stir together and strain into a glass. Express grapefruit peel over the drink and add as a garnish with grated dark chocolate.

How long is Zacapa No. 23 aged for?

Zacapa No.23 is a blend of rums that have been aged between 6-23 years.

What is the Sistema Solera Aging method?

Solera is a way to age rum to keep consistancy batch after batch, and is adopted from the Spanish way to age sherry. The process involes having multiple barrels to capture specific flavours and texture. When the oldest barrel of rum is finished, it is replenished with the next oldest, and so on. The newest empty barrel is replenished with a new batch of rum.

Can this rum be enjoyed neat?

Yes, it can be enjoyed neat, with or without ice.

Is Zacapa No. 23 suitable for classic rum cocktails?

Absolutely, it is perfect for a Daiquari, and also for variations of classic whisky or gin cocktails, like a Manhattan, Old Fashioned or a Negroni.

How should I store Zacapa No. 23 Rum?

Rum should be stored in a tightly sealed bottle in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Stored this way, Rum will keep well for years, but the taste and quality of rum in an opened bottle will slowly change as it reacts with oxygen in the air. It is best to consume rum within 2 years of opening the bottle.