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Botran Ron de Guatemala No. 8
About Botran Ron de Guatemala No. 8
Botran Ron de Guatemala No. 8 is produced by Industria Licorera Quetzalteca – a Guatemala based company obtained by a group of 5 Spanish brothers in 1940. These brothers created the Botran brand, which produces several different rum blends from start to finish. In 2022, they achieved new certifications including ICSS (for sustainability) and SGS Carbon Neutrality.
The beginning stages of their production process take place in Retalhuleu, Guatemala. There, the sugar cane is grown, and the sugar cane honey is fermented with pineapple yeast, before being distilled in copper stills. Then, the distillates are brought to the high altitudes of Quetzaltenango for aging. They undergo an aging process that Botran calls their “Dynamic Ageing System”, which is a modification of the Solera system. The rums are blended by 3 master blenders before being bottled in Mixco, Guatemala. Although they don’t add regular sugars to their rums, they do add caramel coloring.
This particular bottle of No. 8 is a blend of rums that are aged between 5-8 years, in a combination of casks that include Ex-American Whisky, Ex-American Whisky Medium Toasted, and Ex-Oloroso Sherry.
Bottle Specs
❖ ABV: 40%
❖ Distillery: San Andrés Villaseca Distillery
❖ Aging: 5-8 years
❖ Price Point: lower moderate
My Tasting notes
This rum was nice and sweet on the nose, with a hint of vanilla aroma. There was a fleeting whiff of mango scent that passed by so quickly I wasn’t sure if I imagined it.
I took my first sip, and there was a bit of heat in the front that quickly dissipated into a smooth and silky mouthfeel. Overall, the flavor was light and somewhat sweet, though specific flavor notes were not consistent enough to nail down. My best assessment is that it was a bit fruity.
Cocktail
My recipe for a Shaken Piña Colada is a variation of the blended recipe by Georgi Radev from his book Let’s Get Tropical. I changed the ratios a little bit, but I like his addition of the angostura bitters, as I think it gives the flavor a little kick. Hope you enjoy!
Shaken Piña Colada
Ingredients
- 2oz rum
- 1/2oz Coco Reàl Cream of Coconut
- 1/4oz lime juice
- 1.5oz pineapple juice
- 1 dash angostura bitters
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a shaker with ice, and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass.
Inside a cocktail, I found this rum to be pretty flavorful. Although the specific notes were once again elusive, there was a warm, spicy quality to the rum flavor that paired well with the pineapple and coconut. Overall, the drink felt complex yet consistent. It was very enjoyable!
Bottom Line
RATING: 2/5
Overall, I think Botran No. 8 is a decent mixing rum, but it didn’t really wow me enough to make a huge impression. Though it has a pleasant flavor and a nice mouthfeel, I think I would be hesitant to pick up another bottle.
From a social justice standpoint, I was particularly troubled by this article from Guatemalan journalists outlining Botrán’s role in squashing fair competition in the Guatemalan spirits market. It seems that indigenous communities are particularly affected. For me, it casts a pretty large shadow over the shiny, more positive aspects of their brand story, such as their carbon neutral status, and their female master blender team.
At this time, I would not feel comfortable recommending Botrán Ron de Guatemala No. 8 to others.
As always, drink responsibly.
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