Ron Zacapa XO Guatemala Rum 40%

From the Guatemalan highlands, where rum matures in the thin air above the clouds, comes Ron Zacapa XO, one of the most celebrated names in Solera rum.

Expert Description

Ron Zacapa XO is a Guatemala Rum aged via the Sistema Solera and bottled at 40%.

The rum is produced by Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala and selected among reserve rums aged between 10 and 25 years in the Solera system. The rums first mature in casks that previously held American whiskey, sherry and Pedro Ximénez wine, after which the blend is further aged in French oak casks that previously held cognac. Guatemala's high elevation, where the rum is aged above 2,300 metres above sea level, gives a slower maturation process and closer contact between rum and wood.

The result is a complex, full-bodied rum, where burnt caramel and toasted nuts meet a long finish of dark chocolate and spice.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Toasted oak, burnt caramel, toasted nuts, marzipan and orange peel.

Palate

Full-bodied and smooth with dark cherry, chocolate, prune and spiced vanilla.

Finish

Long with warm cinnamon and cloves.

Specifications

Name: Ron Zacapa XO
Distillery: Ron Zacapa
Region/Country: Guatemala
Type: Guatemala Rum
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
EAN No.: 7401005008610
Distillation Method: Sistema Solera
Serving Suggestion: Neat at room temperature or with dark chocolate

Flavour Profile

Full-bodied · Spiced · Chocolatey · Complex · Sweet

Investment Potential

Low. Ron Zacapa XO is a permanent part of the range rather than a limited release, making it more of a sipping rum than a collector's item.

Did You Know?

Ron Zacapa's rum is aged high up in the Guatemalan mountains, where the thinner air and lower temperature slow evaporation and give the rum more time to absorb flavour from the wood.

See our full range of Ron Zacapa

Frequently Asked Questions about Ron Zacapa XO

What is Ron Zacapa XO?

It's a Guatemala Rum aged via the Sistema Solera method between 10 and 25 years, bottled at 40%.

Is it worth the money?

Yes, the complex solera ageing and multiple cask types give a depth and finesse that matches the rum's standing as one of the best-known names in premium rum.

What does Ron Zacapa XO taste like?

It smells of toasted oak, burnt caramel and marzipan, while the palate is full-bodied with dark cherry, chocolate and spiced vanilla.

What does Sistema Solera mean?

It's an ageing method where younger and older rum are gradually blended across a series of casks, giving the finished rum a complex, consistent character.

Why is the rum aged in the highlands?

The thinner air and lower temperature in Guatemala's mountains slow evaporation and give the rum longer to absorb flavour from the wood.

How should Ron Zacapa XO be enjoyed?

It's best enjoyed neat at room temperature or alongside dark chocolate, where its spiced and sweet notes come into their own.