Zacapa Premium Rum Runners

August 15, 2011 // by Angela McGowan // Beverages

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Diageo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Today I wanted to share with you a new rum I’ve found, Zacapa. I’ve been drinking the same rum (a different popular brand) for as long as I can remember. I was happy with it, but only because I had never tried anything different. Then I tried Zacapa premium rum. The taste is far superior to anything I’ve tasted before. It’s complex, rich and just plain good.

Zacapa is a premium dark rum made in Guatemala. It’s different from other rums because it’s not made with molasses. Instead of molasses, they use the concentrated first press of sugar cane, known as virgin sugar cane honey. And this sugar cane is no ordinary cane, it’s grown in the green fertile land of western Guatemala. The rolling hills, long sunny days and volcanic ash in the soil provides the perfect environment for superior sugar cane.

The aging process for Zacapa rum is different too. It’s aged in the Quetzaltenango highlands, 2,300 meters above sea level. Here the cool mountain air helps to slow the aging process and adds to the complexity of the flavor of the rum. This aging facility, called the House above the clouds, is one of the highest in the world. The process of aging, a unique Sistema Solera, is based on a process devised by the Spaniards 500 years ago to age sherry.

During the aging process the rum passes through several casks that previously housed American whiskey, Oloroso sherry and Pedro Ximenez wines. Each of the vessels provides a unique taste and adds even more complexity to Zacapa aged rum.

To really enjoy this rum , I wanted to feature it in my favorite rum cocktail, a rum runner. Rum Runners are made more than one way. I’m going to show you the way I remember making it at the beach bar I use to work at in college. If you have a favorite rum runner recipe, please share it in the comments section below.

If you want to make a virgin drink for the kids, just combine some of the pineapple and orange juice with a little grenadine and garnish with a lime slice and a cherry.

Members of the Zacapa Society will not only learn exclusive details about this exceptional brand, but will also have the opportunity to enjoy remarkable gifts and prizes along the way.

To join the Zacapa Society, simply register your interest at http://bit.ly/pvKdC9

Rum Runner Recipe Ingredients 1 1/2 oz Zacapa Rum 1 1/2 oz orange juice 1 1/2 oz pineapple juice 3/4 oz blackberry brandy 3/4 oz coconut rum 3/4 oz banana liqueur a splash of grenadine lime slice a cherry Instructions Combine all ingredients except garnishes in a shaker. Shake well. Pour over ice. Garnish with a lime slice and a cherry.

Yield: Serves 4