On the River of Grass, Rum is a Labour of Love

Men's Folio travels to Guatemala to experience Zacapa Rum's House Above the Clouds, and to discover how the volcanic terrain nurtures its elemental ingredient—what artisans are now converging on to create Zacapa Rum's indulgent spirits.

- LingJie Tuang

It took a 40-hour flight path via Southeast Asia, East Asia, North America, and Central America to finally arrive at the lush and mountainous Guatemala — or, as Zacapa Rum affectionately calls it, the House Above the Clouds (2,300m above sea level). Tired beyond belief, a glass of sweet, strong rum on the rocks upon arrival was a sight for sore eyes. The missing baggage can wait. For a liquor that has long been associated with the red Solo cup kind of drink mixed with Coca-Cola, and preferred by pirates portrayed in pop culture, flying to the ancient city of Antigua in Guatemala to experience Zacapa firsthand prompted the need for a fresh perspective. Involving an intimate group of journalists from Paris, London, New York, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and set in the rich tapestry of what was the capital of Guatemala before earthquakes struck in the late 18th century, the trip revealed that Zacapa had a different story from its contemporaries to tell. It is a story you will not hear if the goal is to pummel through cheap shots to get wasted as quickly as possible.