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Introduction to Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala
A distillery with passion for craftsmanship
Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala (ILG) is Guatemala’s premier rum producer, nestled in the beautiful highlands of this Central American country. The distillery has established itself as one of the world’s most respected rum producers, creating exceptional spirits that showcase both Guatemala’s rich terroir and centuries of distillation expertise.
Their flagship brand, Ron Zacapa, has been instrumental in defining the premium aged rum category worldwide and introducing connoisseurs to the concept of “sistema solera” aging in rum production.
Why we have a soft spot for Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala
At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that elevate spirits beyond mere alcoholic beverages to true expressions of art and culture. ILG stands out for their high-altitude aging process, which occurs 2,300 meters above sea level in the Guatemalan highlands, creating a unique microclimate that slows maturation and develops extraordinary complexity.
We’re particularly drawn to their commitment to sustainable practices and their remarkable “sistema solera” method, which creates rums of unparalleled depth and character.
The History Behind Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala
Origins and Development
Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala was established in 1914, consolidating various spirit producers into what would become one of Central America’s most important distilleries. The company truly made its mark on the international rum scene in 1976 with the creation of Ron Zacapa to celebrate Guatemala’s centennial anniversary.
Over the decades, ILG has grown from a local producer to a globally recognized brand, earning countless awards and helping to define what premium rum can be. The company’s commitment to quality has never wavered, maintaining traditional methods while embracing innovation where it enhances the final product.
The People Behind the Spirits
At the heart of ILG’s success is Master Blender Lorena Vásquez, one of the few female master blenders in the spirits industry. Her exceptional palate and deep understanding of the aging process have been instrumental in creating and maintaining the distinctive character of their rums.
The company also employs generations of local craftspeople, from those who weave the traditional petate bands found on Zacapa bottles to the sugar cane workers who have perfected their cultivation techniques over centuries.
The Craft and Production
From Raw Materials to Finished Product
Unlike many rums made from molasses, ILG’s premium expressions begin with virgin sugar cane honey—the first press of sugar cane juice that’s been concentrated but not fully refined into molasses. This choice of raw material gives their rums a distinctively smooth and complex base character.
Fermentation and distillation occur at facilities near the coast, where the climate is ideal for these initial production stages. ILG uses both column stills and pot stills, depending on the profile they’re seeking for each expression.
Aging and Storage
What truly sets ILG apart is their unique aging environment. The barrels are transported to warehouses in Quetzaltenango, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. Here, the cool mountain air slows the aging process considerably, allowing for more nuanced flavor development without excessive wood extraction.
The “sistema solera” method, inspired by sherry production, involves blending rums of different ages in a series of casks. As rum is drawn from the oldest casks, they are replenished with rum from the next oldest set, and so on. This creates incredible complexity and ensures consistency across batches.
ILG uses a variety of casks in their aging program, including ex-bourbon barrels, re-charred American oak, and barrels that previously held Pedro Ximénez sherry, cognac, and other fine spirits.
Selected Products from Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala
Ron Zacapa 23 – An Introduction to the House Style
This flagship expression is the perfect gateway into ILG’s rum philosophy. Despite its name, it’s a blend of rums aged between 6 and 23 years using the solera system. Notes of dried fruits, chocolate, vanilla, and spices create a rich, dessert-like profile with a surprisingly dry finish. The velvety mouthfeel and complex aromatic profile make it equally suitable for sipping neat or in premium cocktails.
Ron Zacapa XO – An Experience for Connoisseurs
For those seeking the pinnacle of ILG’s craftsmanship, Zacapa XO offers an extraordinary experience. This ultra-premium expression incorporates rums aged up to 25 years, with a final maturation in French oak barrels that previously held cognac. Expect luxurious notes of dark chocolate, dried fruits, toasted oak, and coffee, with a remarkably long, warming finish that reveals new dimensions with each sip—truly a contemplative spirit for special occasions.
Visit the Distillery
Tours and Tastings
Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala offers an immersive visitor experience at Casa Zacapa, located in Zacapa, Guatemala. Here, guests can explore the entire rum-making process and gain insight into the unique aging methods that make their spirits so distinctive.
The tasting experience includes several expressions from their portfolio, often including limited editions not widely available. For rum enthusiasts, this is considered a pilgrimage destination and offers a deeper understanding of what makes Guatemalan rum special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala?
Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala is Guatemala’s premier rum producer, known worldwide for their Ron Zacapa brand and other premium rum expressions. They specialize in high-altitude aging and the solera system, creating spirits of exceptional complexity and refinement.
Where is Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala located?
The company is based in Guatemala, with production facilities near the coast where sugar cane is harvested and processed. Their aging warehouses are located in the highlands of Quetzaltenango at 2,300 meters above sea level, creating the unique microclimate that contributes to their rum’s distinctive character.
What characterizes Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala?
ILG is known for their use of virgin sugar cane honey rather than molasses, high-altitude aging, and the implementation of the solera system in rum production. Their spirits typically exhibit exceptional smoothness, complexity, and a distinctively rich profile that balances sweetness with depth and nuance.
Where can I buy rum from Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala?
You can find selected bottles from Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions from their portfolio, including both their core range and limited special releases, ensuring you have access to these extraordinary Guatemalan rums.