ZACAPA Centenario XO

The Pinnacle of Guatemalan Craftsmanship

A true symbol of luxury and elegance in the world of spirits, Ron Zacapa Centenario XO embodies the excellence of Guatemalan craftsmanship.

Created by renowned master blender Lorena Vásquez, this exceptional cuvée is made from virgin sugarcane honey—also known as miel virgen de caña—rather than molasses.

The rum is aged in the famous “House Above the Clouds,” located more than 2,300 metres above sea level in the mountains of Quetzaltenango. The region’s cool temperatures and low atmospheric pressure encourage slow maturation and the development of an especially refined aromatic profile.

Presented in an elegantly shaped decanter, Zacapa XO combines Spanish tradition, aromatic richness and elegance.

Exceptional Ageing

The distinctive character of Ron Zacapa Centenario XO lies in its complex ageing process, combining the Sistema Solera with a finish in Cognac casks.

Virgin Sugarcane Honey and High-Altitude Ageing

Virgin sugarcane honey is fermented and then column-distilled. The rum is subsequently transported to an altitude of more than 2,300 metres, where cool temperatures slow evaporation and allow gradual maturation.

Sistema Solera

Rums aged from 6 to 25 years are blended and gradually matured in a succession of casks that previously held American bourbon, Oloroso sherry and Pedro Ximénez sweet fortified wine.

Cognac Cask Finish

The final blend undergoes an extended finish in large French oak casks that previously held Cognac. This stage gives the rum an elegant woody structure, along with refined spicy notes.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Deep mahogany with warm copper and amber highlights.

Nose

Rich, captivating and highly complex. The bouquet reveals notes of toasted oak, burnt caramel and roasted dried fruit—hazelnut and almond—as well as marzipan. These aromas are enhanced by touches of candied orange zest and vanilla.

Palate

Smooth, velvety and remarkably full-bodied. The palate reveals intense flavours of dark chocolate and macerated fruit—fig, prune and black cherry—accompanied by cinnamon and clove. The sweetness of the honey perfectly balances the liveliness of the spices.

Finish

Long, elegant and persistent, marked by notes of bitter cocoa, fine wood and sweet spices, complemented by a subtle fruity touch of raspberry and ginger.

Serving Suggestions

Ron Zacapa Centenario XO is a sipping rum to be fully appreciated:

Neat, at room temperature, in a tulip-shaped glass;

After a few minutes of aeration, allowing the aromas to unfold;

With an intense dark chocolate square, ideally containing 70% cocoa or more;

Paired with desserts made with dried or candied fruit;

Optionally accompanied by a mild to medium-bodied cigar, particularly one from the Dominican Republic or Nicaragua.