Botran – tradition in every drop: what makes this rum special?

Botran Rum has a rich tradition. What are the key values of the brand, and in your opinion, what makes it stand out from other rum brands?

The key values that define Botran include tradition, a controlled origin denomination, the use of sugarcane honey, and our dynamic Solera aging system. Additionally, we never add sugar, which differentiates us from other rum brands. These elements, in my view, are central to Botran’s approach to rum production.

How has Botran evolved over the years, especially in the European market? What are the main challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered?

While the core of the company has remained unchanged, we’ve evolved, especially in how we communicate with our customers and the industry. We’ve adopted a more modern style to help elevate the category of premium quality rum. The biggest challenge—and also the greatest opportunity—is breaking the stereotypes people have about rum. It’s about showing the world how complex and multi-dimensional rum can be, which is not only an opportunity for Botran but for the entire rum category.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the spirits industry. How does Botran incorporate sustainability into its production process?

Sustainability is important, but it’s often used as a marketing tool by some companies. For Botran, it’s been a key part of our philosophy for many years. We were the first rum brand in the world to be certified by an independent company, ICCS, as 100% sustainable across the entire production chain—from crop to bottle. To me, sustainability, in its purest sense, doesn’t exist. We’re all moving products across the planet, which isn’t sustainable. What’s important is responsibility. Our efforts are focused on reducing our carbon footprint as much as possible. In fact, we are currently carbon positive, meaning we produce more clean energy than we consume.

Can we expect any exciting new projects or releases from Botran in the near future? Is there something special planned for the European markets?

Yes, you can expect many exciting things! We are fortunate to have a large aging facility and a very passionate Master Blender and Master Distiller. For Europe, we have several projects in the works. At this year’s BCB (Bar Convent Berlin), we unveiled our new top-of-the-line release, Botran Infinito, which uses a unique aging process involving eight different types of barrels.

Innovation is key in the beverage industry. How does Botran balance tradition with modern trends to stay relevant in such a competitive space?

I believe that tradition is simply innovation that has already proven to work. For us, it’s about respecting the craft while remaining open to new techniques and trends that help us stay relevant in a fast-evolving industry.

As Botran’s European Brand Ambassador, what are your main responsibilities? How do you ensure the brand’s message resonates with diverse audiences across Europe?

A lot of travel, haha! As a brand ambassador, my primary responsibility is to embody the brand and its philosophy. Over the years, it becomes difficult to separate where the brand ends and I begin. It’s important to be adaptable in each market, tailoring my approach depending on the country. What works in Poland might differ from what I do in Italy, France, or the Nordic countries. As Bruce Lee said, “Be like water, my friend.”

What do you think is the biggest challenge in promoting a premium rum brand like Botran in Europe, where wine and beer dominate many markets?

Survival! Haha! I believe that we should view wine and beer as allies, not competitors. In the cocktail culture, I see wine-based cocktails becoming more popular in the future. Rum, by its nature, shares many similarities with wine, especially the concept of “terroir,” which holds as much significance in rum as it does in wine. Our task is to educate people about this language, helping them discover the complexity of rum. Europe is a continent with a deep connection to wine, and understanding this is key for the rum category to grow.

Could you tell us more about the Botran distillery in Guatemala? What makes its production process unique compared to other rum distilleries?

The Botran distillery, part of the Guatemalan Spirit group, is quite large and stands out for its meticulous, almost obsessive attention to detail. The entire process, from growing the sugarcane to selecting the yeast and ensuring sustainability in production, is closely monitored. We use sugarcane honey (not molasses), which is rich in sucrose, giving our rum a complex and rich profile. Additionally, being part of the “Ron de Guatemala” denomination of controlled origin is an important distinction for us.

The aging process plays a significant role in the flavor profile of Botran. Could you elaborate on the Solera system and how it contributes to the character of the rum?

The aging system is crucial to our rum’s character. As part of the controlled denomination of origin, we use a “dynamic Solera” method. This means that once a barrel is opened, we empty it completely, allowing the rum to pass through various types of barrels organically. These include ex-Bourbon, medium-toasted ex-Bourbon, ex-Oloroso Sherry, and ex-Tawny Port. These four different “flavors” come together to create a truly complex rum.

We saw Botran at the Rum Love Festival this year. Will you be attending next year’s event, and what can fans of the brand look forward to?

Absolutely! The Rum Love Festival is still relatively young, but it’s growing steadily and gaining a lot of momentum. I see a lot of potential for it to become a major event for rum enthusiasts in Europe. What can fans expect? Who knows, haha! Be ready for anything!

Festivals like Rum Love are great for connecting with rum enthusiasts. How important are these types of events for building the Botran community in Europe?

These events are crucial! It’s almost impossible for any brand to stay connected with its market without attending events like this. It allows us to stay in touch with the audience and understand their needs better.

Personal Perspective and Passion for Rum:

What inspired you to become a brand ambassador for Botran? Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked your passion for rum?

It wasn’t something I planned. In 2014, I won a cocktail competition in Italy, and the prize was a trip to visit the Botran distillery in Guatemala. When I saw the distillery firsthand and experienced everything that was happening there, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. When I returned to Italy, I opened the market for Botran and became the Italian Ambassador. A year later, I became the European Ambassador, and the rest is history.

My love for rum actually started when I was quite young, around 13 or 15, at my family’s restaurant, Checchino dal 1887 (which now also has a cocktail bar, Ch18 87). The first spirit I ever tasted was a Rhum JM Millésimé 1996, and I fell in love with it instantly. From that moment, I became a “pirate” at heart.

If you had to describe the essence of Botran in three words, what would they be?

Family legacy, sugarcane honey, dynamic Solera system.

What advice would you give to someone new to rum who is just discovering Botran? What should they look out for in terms of flavor and quality?

I always recommend starting with our Botran Reserva Blanca. It’s not only the perfect rum for cocktails but also enjoyable neat, thanks to its complexity and rich flavor profile. It’s, in my opinion, the best white rum you can find.

When tasting Botran, look for hints of vanilla (from the Bourbon barrels), fruity notes (from the yeast and pineapple), and a deep, rich taste that lingers.

In the interview, questions were answered by:

Simone Mina

Botran European Brand Ambassador

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