Zacapa Distillery

The magic of aging is inspired by the solera system, where the journey of our rum includes a wide variety of barrel types and styles carefully selected by Lorena Vásquez in order to capture specific flavors and textures, as well as the perfect color of the liquor.

When it comes to casks, each one has a story to tell in the final liquid, meaning there's no better spirit to embark on this journey with. Some are made with American white oak that was previously used to store American whiskey, and others are made with European oak that was previously used to age cognac, sherry, or Pedro Ximénez wine.

Each agave has a different degree of roasting, which depends on the desired final characteristics of the different rums. This stage of rum production allows Lorena to vary the complexity of the profile she seeks in the rum.

Zacapa Rum is made from pressed virgin sugarcane and aged using the solera system, crafted by our Master Blender Lorena Vásquez. Discover the taste of Zacapa through each of our varieties.

The bottling and distribution processes take place in Mixco. From grain to glass, the Ron Zacapa team is integrated with communities throughout the country and takes pride in our Guatemalan roots.

After distillation, Zacapa undergoes an incredible journey from the lowlands in the shadow of the volcanoes to the head of a valley at 2,300 meters (7,545 feet) above sea level, where the cooler, wetter climate of the "House above the Clouds" allows Zacapa to acquire its unique qualities and characteristic flavor profile.

The fresh mountain air gently ages our rum, allowing the deep aroma, body, intense color, and rich flavor of Zacapa to develop. Here at the House Above the Clouds, the wooden barrels share their aromas and flavors through the unique aging process of the solera system.

The woman behind the delicious taste of Zacapa is Lorena Vásquez, one of the few women with the title of Master Blender in the spirits industry. Lorena Vásquez, Zacapa's Master Blender with over 35 years at the company, is one of the few female leaders in an industry traditionally dominated by men. She was named one of People en Español's 25 Most Powerful Women in 2015.

In addition to her expert knowledge of rum, this Nicaraguan native holds a degree in Chemistry and Pharmacy and has studied Food Technology and Business Administration. Passionate about the art of crafting premium rum and driven by her pursuit of perfection, she believes she does one of the best jobs in the world, because being a Master Blender is not just a profession, but a way of life.

It is known for its expressive character and its special approach to blending, going beyond the ordinary, taking advantage of the best ingredients from Guatemala and nurturing Zacapa over the years to create a liquid that is widely recognized as the best tasting rum in the world.