Master blender Lorena Vásquez's limited edition is out in four U.S. states at $49.99; the announcement mentions no other countries
Guatemalan rum brand Zacapa, created in 1976, has launched Zacapa 50th Anniversary Edition in the United States, a limited edition marking its 50 years. According to the brand's statement, released on October 15, the rum arrived that day at select retailers in New York, California, Texas and Florida, with a suggested price of $49.99 for the 750 ml bottle. The announcement does not mention other markets. Diageo owns 50% of Zacapa, in a partnership with Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala, The Spirits Business notes.
The edition is a creation of master blender Lorena Vásquez. It brings together rums aged 8 to 24 years, which undergo extra maturation in American white oak barrels charred with Guatemalan cacao and Cobán chili peels. The idea, according to Vásquez, came from ancient ceremonial celebrations in what is now Guatemala, where cacao and chili drinks were served. She said she has worked for decades with Zacapa's aging and still wants to see how far she can push it.
The rum is 40% alcohol. By the brand's description, it has aromas of vanilla and caramelized fruit and, on the palate, wood, toffee and spices, with cacao and Cobán chili. To promote the launch, some bars serve the GuateMai Tai, a version of the Mai Tai with the rum, orange liqueur, orgeat, lime juice and aromatic bitters.
The base is virgin sugarcane honey, fermented and distilled on Guatemala's Pacific coast. The spirit then goes to an aging site more than 2,300 meters above sea level, where it passes through the brand's solera system, with barrels that previously held American whiskey and sherry, including Pedro Ximénez, plus re-charred American oak barrels, according to The Spirits Business.
In Brazil, the brand is known for Ron Zacapa 23 and Ron Zacapa XO, which follow the same solera system. The 50th anniversary edition is, for now, a North America-only release.
Sources: Zacapa, statement via PR Newswire (October 15, 2026), The Spirits Business (October 21, 2026).
