Malteco

Malteco rum

Malteco Rum is an Italian creation, the brainchild of Marco Savio, already behind Malecon Rum. Its history is rather atypical, as its creator had to overcome a number of obstacles to see his project through. Initially, it was distilled in Guatemala, at Licoreria Quetzalteca. But when the Diageo group took over the distillery in 2011, it decided to devote its entire production to its two flagship brands: Botran and Zacapa.

Mr Salvio was therefore forced to move his production to Panama, to the same location as Rhum Malecon, within the Caribbean Spirits Panama Distillery. With the help of Guatemalan " Maestros Roneros ", he still managed to retain the distinctive Guatemalan style of rum, hence the words " Ron al estilo de Guatemala " on the bottles.

The style of Guatemalan rum lies above all in the raw material it uses: cane honey. Sometimes called cane syrup, this is pure sugarcane juice cooked and reduced, a sort of intermediate between vesou (pure juice) and molasses. It has the advantage of providing both fresh cane notes and caramelized aromas. What's more, it's also economical: whereas pure juice has to be processed and fermented within 24 hours of cutting the cane, cane honey can be stored for much longer, making it possible to distill all year round, regardless of the season.

After a rapid fermentation (24-48 hours), the must is distilled in a continuous column and aged in old American white oak Bourbon barrels.

From the very first rums in the range, we discover an interesting personality that moves away from the stereotypes of the genre. Such is the case with the 15-year-old Reserva Maya, a smooth but relatively complex rum. The 25-year-old Reserva Rara, on the other hand, is more roasted, caramelized and suave. Malteco is also available in Spiced, with a spicy, fragrant 8-Year-Old. Read less