Master Blender Lorena Vásquez marks Zacapa’s 50th anniversary with a limited-edition expression featuring a distinctive final maturation in barrels specially charred with Guatemalan cacao and Cobán chili peels.
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zacapa, the ultra-premium rum born in Guatemala in 1976, today introduces Zacapa 50th Anniversary Edition, its first limited-edition innovation outside the brand’s core North American portfolio. The release commemorates five decades of Zacapa craftsmanship and the brand’s deep connection to its Guatemalan heritage. Created by Zacapa Master Blender Lorena Vásquez to commemorate the milestone, the 50th Anniversary Edition brings together rums aged between 8 and 24 years and looks to Zacapa’s Guatemalan roots for inspiration. The expression undergoes a distinctive additional maturation using barrels specially charred with cacao and Cobán chili peels, imparting notes of roasted cacao and delicate spice.
“I’ve spent decades working with Zacapa’s aging process, and I’m still interested in how far we can push it,” said Lorena Vásquez, Master Blender of Zacapa. “For the 50th Anniversary Edition, I drew inspiration from ancient ceremonial celebrations in what is now Guatemala, where beverages made with cacao and chili were traditionally enjoyed as part of these gatherings. We wanted to honor that heritage while exploring a new expression of Zacapa through maturation, experimenting with barrels charred with cacao and Cobán chili peels.”
While the anniversary expression introduces a new approach to maturation, it remains rooted in the elements that have long defined Zacapa. Produced from virgin sugar cane syrup, fermentation and distillation take place on Guatemala’s Pacific west coast before the liquid is transported to Zacapa’s aging facility more than 2,300 meters above sea level. There, it is aged through Zacapa’s dynamic Solera System in a sequence of casks that previously held American whiskeys, Sherry wines and Pedro Ximénez wines, as well as re-charred American white oak barrels. The progression through each cask gradually builds layers of flavor and aroma, bringing depth and complexity to the liquid while creating the balance and signature smoothness that define Zacapa.
For the 50th Anniversary Edition, the final blend undergoes an additional maturation in American white oak barrels specially charred with cacao and Cobán chili peels, imparting notes of roasted cacao and spice to the wood. The blend is subsequently rested for several months in oak vats before bottling.
On the nose, Zacapa 50th Anniversary Edition opens with aromas of vanilla and caramelized fruit. The palate reveals a balance of wood, toffee and aromatic spice, complemented by notes of cacao and Cobán chili, leading to a smooth, rounded texture and a long, lingering finish with toasted notes and warm spice.
To mark the anniversary, Vásquez will visit key U.S. markets for a series of intimate tastings and conversations exploring Zacapa’s craft, Guatemalan heritage and 50-year history. The anniversary will also come to life on-premise through the GuateMai Tai, a signature serve combining Zacapa 50th Anniversary Edition with orange liqueur, orgeat, fresh lime juice and aromatic bitters, available at select accounts.
Presented in a commemorative 50th anniversary canister, the bottle features Zacapa’s signature handwoven petate band, reimagined in a colorful design for the milestone and continuing the brand’s longstanding connection to Guatemalan craft and culture. Zacapa 50th Anniversary Edition ($49.99 SRP) will be available beginning October 15 in select markets across New York, California, Texas and Florida.
About Zacapa Rum
Crafted in Guatemala, Zacapa Rum is a work of art and an expression of patience, richness, quality, and master blending. Zacapa’s Master Blender of over 40 years, Lorena Vásquez, is one of the few female leaders in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Zacapa No. 23, Zacapa Edición Negra, and Zacapa XO are available at fine liquor stores, bars, and restaurants around the world. For more information, visit www.zacaparum.com.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in nearly 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
Crafting iconic drinks chosen for life’s moments.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zacapa-marks-50th-anniversary-with-a-new-liquid-innovation-for-north-america-302910135.html
SOURCE Zacapa Rum
