Botran Rum was founded in 1940 by five brothers; Venancio, Andres, Jesus, Felipe and Alejandro Botran when the family emigrated from Spain to to Guatemala. The rum is classified as a Single Estate Rum with a protected designation of origin “Ron de Guatemala”. For those not familiar with the term it means the ingredients come from one area of land. Ron Botran is cultivated, harvested, fermented, distilled, aged and bottled in Guatemala. Additionally the company is Carbon Neutral having planted and grown 1.8 million trees since 1977.
Ron Botran Rum is produced from the first press of sugarcane which is harvested from November to May. Once harvested the fermintation with a pineapple yeast last 100-120 hours. It is then distilled in copper-sectioned stills before being moved to the mountains of Quetzaltenago where it ages at an altitude over 7,500 feet above sea level where it slowly ages at an average temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brand Review: Ron Botran No. 12
ABV: 40% (80 Poof)
Type: Rum
Age: Blend of 5-12 Year Rums
Casks: American Whiskey, Sherry
Color: Mahogany
Distillery: Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala
Location: Guatelmala
The Nose: Not overly sweet to the nose the aroma consist of smoked wood, vanilla and nuances of roasted nuts. On secondary takes of the aroma the smoked wood really stands out.
The Taste: The wood notes from the American Whiskey barrels the rum is aged in really shine on the front end while the finish has creme like finish that showcases a subtle vanilla and mango. On subsequent sips once we pin point the mango it really shines all the way through to the finish.
The Pairing: I opted to pair the rum with a Nicaraguan puro (meaning all the tobacco comes from the same country), Montecristo 1935 Anniversary. The brand celebrated the 85th Anniversary of the brand. Unfortunately this is a pairing that doesn’t work as the cigar completely overpowers the soft flavors of the rum. We never allow our pairing to affect out final score and you can review our method of reviews here.
Conclusion: When I lived in Miami a decade ago, Ron Botran was my go to rum. I drank the 14 year aged which hasn’t been reintroduced, so the 12 comes in a bit thinner than I remember it. However, I love when a rum isn’t overly sweet but still imparts a lot of sweet flavors. This is the case with the Ron Botran 12. It’s smooth and simple, but satisfying as an introductory rum.
Score: 89
Price: $24.99 (700ml)
