🇨🇷 Costa Rican Rum - Discover the best distilleries

Rum from Costa Rica

Costa Rica is bordered by two Latin rum behemoths, Panama and Nicaragua. It was impossible under these conditions not to have its own rum industry. Sugar cane has developed there since the second half of the 19th century thanks to English and American capital.
The local cane alcohol beverage is called Guaro but it is capped at 30%. Depending on the region, cane harvesting is manual or mechanized. Sugar cane covers 50 hectares and feeds 16 sugar factories.
In 1969, the Centenario distillery opened its doors and used American white oak barrels for its first aging. The company focused on old rums until opening up to white rum in 2004. Three years later, Centenario rum was exported and set out to conquer the world. In 2010, old cuvées came out on the market, notably the 30-year-old Centenario.

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€0.00 - €280.00

Alcohol

38 % ABV - 48 % ABV

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Color of spirits

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Age

12 years old - 30 years old

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Rarity (copy number)

1800 - 1800
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The Rum of Costa Rica is a product deserving of recognition and appreciation by spirits enthusiasts. This small Central American country indeed boasts an ancient tradition in the production of this alcoholic beverage, derived from the fermentation and distillation of sugarcane juice or molasses. Explore the specifics and manufacturing secrets of this Costa Rican treasure.

A Terroir Ideal for Sugarcane Cultivation

Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica benefits from a highly favorable humid tropical climate for sugarcane cultivation. Abundant rainfall, high temperatures, and nutrient-rich soils allow this plant to grow rapidly and yield high sugar content. Sugarcane harvesting takes place throughout the year, ensuring a constant supply of raw material for rum production.

A Variety of Local Sugarcane

Costa Rica primarily cultivates local varieties of sugarcane, such as "Criolla" and "Barbón." These canes possess unique characteristics, including higher sucrose content and a more fragrant and sweet taste, which impart a distinctive flavor to Costa Rican rum.

Ancient Expertise in Rum Production

Rum production in Costa Rica dates back to the Spanish colonial era when the first distilleries were established. Traditional methods of fermentation and distillation have been preserved and refined over the centuries, allowing for the production of high-quality rum today.

Fermentation of Sugarcane Juice

The first step in rum production involves fermenting sugarcane juice, known as "miel de cana" or "guarapo," from which molasses is extracted. This fermentation is carried out by specific yeasts that convert sugars into alcohol. The duration of fermentation varies among producers, generally lasting between 24 and 72 hours. Longer fermentation leads to a rum with richer aromas.

Distillation of Rum

After fermentation, the resulting liquid is distilled in stills to extract alcohol. There are several types of stills, such as pot stills or column stills, which influence the character of the final rum. In Costa Rica, the majority of producers use column stills, producing a lighter and more aromatic rum.

Aging in Oak Barrels

Once distilled, rum is typically aged in oak barrels, imparting an amber color and complex aromas of vanilla, caramel, or dried fruits. The aging duration varies among producers and the desired type of rum: a young rum may be aged for just a few months, while an aged rum can remain in barrels for several years or even decades. Costa Rica's tropical climate accelerates the aging process, enhancing the interaction between the rum and the barrel's wood.

Rums of Costa Rica are also renowned for their quality and finesse, making them sought after and appreciated by connoisseurs. They can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails like the famous Mojito, Daiquiri, or Ti'Punch.

Artisanal and Eco-Friendly Production

The majority of rum producers in Costa Rica are small family-owned businesses that prioritize artisanal and eco-friendly production. Some distilleries employ traditional and environmentally friendly methods, such as using animal traction for sugarcane harvesting or solar energy to power machinery. Similarly, recycling sugarcane residues helps produce compost, energy, or construction materials, thereby avoiding the waste of natural resources.

Best-Selling Rums from Costa Rica

At Excellence Rhum, we offer a selection of the finest aged rums from Costa Rica. Discover our best-sellers—exceptional cuvées that combine finesse, aromatic richness, and unique craftsmanship: