This is a single cask rum from DARSA (Destiladora de Alcoholes y Rones S.A.) in Guatemala, bottled by House of Rum in 2023 at 57.8% ABV with no reduction. The cask yielded 240 bottles. It was made from molasses in a column still and distilled in 2012.
 
It was matured in two stages. The rum spent three years in ex-rum casks in Guatemala’s tropical climate, then eight years in ex-Scotch whisky barrels. Moving from ex-rum wood to ex-whisky wood is the main difference from the other House of Rum bottlings we carry, which mostly spent their later years in ex-bourbon or ex-rum casks, though the source doesn’t say how much influence each stage had.
 
DARSA is described by the bottler as Guatemala’s top rum producer, and as the maker of Botran and Ron Zacapa. The distillery sits in the Hondo River region at 185 metres above sea level, where the humid, tropical climate is said to accelerate maturation.
 
The nose is cacao and milk chocolate with a subtle toasted nuttiness and gentle winter spices. The palate is velvety, with rich chocolate, coffee and nutty tones of walnut and toasted nuts. Dry red apple and a hint of spice follow, leading to a lingering finish.
 
House of Rum was named Independent Bottler of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge 2026. That award recognises the bottler rather than this particular rum.
 
Tasting Notes
 
Nose: Cacao and milk chocolate, subtle toasted nuttiness, gentle winter spices
Palate: Velvety. Rich chocolate, coffee, walnuts and toasted nuts, dry red apples, a hint of spice
Finish: Lingering and satisfying (the source gives no further detail)