Varela Hermanos distillery

Introduction to Varela Hermanos

A distillery with passion for craft

Varela Hermanos is a Panamanian distillery that has established itself as one of the premier rum producers in Central America. Located in the Pesé Valley in the Herrera province, this distillery combines centuries-old traditions with modern production techniques to create exceptional rums that capture the essence of Panama’s rich sugar cane heritage.

The distillery benefits from Panama’s unique climate and terroir, which provide ideal conditions for both sugar cane cultivation and rum maturation, resulting in spirits with remarkable depth and character.

Why we have a soft spot for Varela Hermanos

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that honor their heritage while crafting exceptional spirits. Varela Hermanos stands out for its commitment to vertical integration – controlling every aspect from sugar cane cultivation to bottling – ensuring consistent quality throughout their portfolio.

Their flagship Ron Abuelo line showcases the remarkable aging potential of Panamanian rum, with expressions that can rival fine whiskies and cognacs in complexity and sophistication.

The History of Varela Hermanos

Origin and development

Varela Hermanos’ story begins in 1908 when Don José Varela Blanco, a young Spanish immigrant, established the first sugar mill in the Republic of Panama in the town of Pesé. Initially focused on sugar production, the company began distilling spirits from sugar cane juice in 1936, marking the beginning of what would become a rum-making legacy.

By 1976, the distillery shifted its focus entirely to rum production, developing the expertise and infrastructure that would eventually make them Panama’s leading rum producer. Through three generations of family ownership, Varela Hermanos has maintained its commitment to quality while expanding its international presence.

The people behind the brand

Today, the distillery remains in the hands of the Varela family, with the third generation now steering the company. This family continuity ensures that the knowledge, passion and dedication that built the brand continue to define its future. Each decision, from agricultural practices to aging specifications, reflects their deep understanding of rum production and Panamanian tradition.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Varela Hermanos’ production begins with sugar cane cultivated on their own estate – a rarity in the rum world. This estate-grown approach allows them to control quality from the very beginning. After harvesting, the cane is crushed to extract fresh juice, which is then fermented using the distillery’s proprietary yeast strains.

Distillation takes place in a combination of column stills, producing a clean, elegant spirit that serves as the perfect canvas for aging. This balanced approach to distillation creates a spirit that retains character while achieving remarkable smoothness.

Maturation and aging

The tropical climate of Panama accelerates the aging process, creating a more intense interaction between the spirit and the wood. Varela Hermanos primarily uses ex-bourbon American oak barrels for aging, though some special releases incorporate finishes in sherry, port, or cognac casks.

The distillery’s aging warehouses hold thousands of barrels, allowing their master blenders to select from a vast library of aged stocks to create consistent expressions or unique limited editions. This extensive aging program is central to the distillery’s reputation for quality.

Selected Products from Varela Hermanos

Ron Abuelo Añejo – An introduction to the house style

This aged rum serves as an excellent entry point to the Varela Hermanos portfolio. With notes of vanilla, caramel, dried fruits, and a hint of oak, it delivers a smooth, approachable profile that showcases Panama’s distinctive rum character. The balanced sweetness and gentle spice make it versatile for both sipping and mixing.

Ron Abuelo 12 Años – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking greater complexity, this 12-year-old expression delivers remarkable depth. Expect a rich tapestry of flavors including dark chocolate, coffee, tobacco, dried fruits, and a luxurious mouthfeel with a long, warming finish. This exemplifies the sophisticated, whisky-like character that well-aged Panamanian rums can achieve.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Varela Hermanos offers guided tours of their facilities in Pesé, where visitors can witness the entire rum-making process from cane field to bottling line. The experience typically includes a visit to the sugar cane fields, fermentation and distillation areas, aging warehouses, and concludes with a comprehensive tasting of their portfolio, providing insight into the evolution of their rums through various aging periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Varela Hermanos?

Varela Hermanos is a Panamanian rum distillery with over a century of history in sugar cane processing. They produce premium rums with a focus on vertical integration, controlling every aspect of production from their own sugar cane fields to bottling. Their approach combines traditional methods with modern technology to create refined, complex rums.

Where is Varela Hermanos located?

The distillery is located in the Pesé Valley in Panama’s Herrera Province, an area renowned for its ideal conditions for sugar cane cultivation. This region’s unique microclimate and soil composition contribute significantly to the character of their spirits.

What characterizes Varela Hermanos rums?

Varela Hermanos rums are known for their exceptional smoothness, balanced sweetness, and remarkable aging potential. Their Spanish-style approach to rum making results in clean, elegant spirits with rich complexity. The flagship Ron Abuelo line is particularly noted for its sophisticated profile that appeals to whisky and cognac drinkers as well as rum enthusiasts.

Where can I buy rum from Varela Hermanos?

You can find selected bottles from Varela Hermanos at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions from their portfolio, including both their core range and limited special editions, ensuring you have access to these distinctive Panamanian rums.