Zacapa Rum, Aged 8,000 Feet Above Sea Level
Filed under: Spirits
Here's a new twist on high-end rum, so to speak: Ron Zacapa, a rich tipple hailing from Guatemala's mountainous region that's aged at 8,000 feet above sea level. At that altitude - roughly the same as Aspen, Colorado - there's not only 25% less oxygen, but a very steady year-round temperature of 62° that facilitates the spirit's maturation in flavorful sherry, bourbon and wine casks.
Made from first-crushed virgin sugarcane grown in the country's fertile volcanic soil, rums of between 6 and 23 years go into the final Zacapa blend. Its heritage goes back to the mash of corn and wild fruits the Mayans and Aztecs made into hooch for their religious rites 2,000 years ago.
This is definitely a rum meant for sipping, not mixing, for full enjoyment of its deep, rich flavors. We're also fond of the natty band of woven straw around its midriff, like a sort of vestigial Panama hat.
Rodents Run Amok at Upstate New York Walmart
America's 10 Highest-Paid CEOs of 2011 (and How They Earned It)
What Happened When Alex Kenjeev Paid His Student Loan in Cash
What's a Realistic Retirement Age?
Carrie Underwood's Grunge Rock Past: 'I Was All About Pearl Jam'
I'm A Successful Entrepreneur But Might Get Deported
Farmers Hit the Jackpot in Kansas Oil Boom
Mary J. Blige, Charity Lawsuit: Singer's Foundation Sued for Failing to Repay $250K Loan
Safeway Worker Stops Man From Beating Pregnant Woman, Gets Suspended
Editorial: Despite shaky 48 fps Hobbit preview, high frame rates will take off