The Amparo Carlos Baque Zorrila Ron Equatorial

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 60% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

El Amparo is made from the fresh juice of the local Cubana Negra sugarcane variety and remains unaged. For this Pure Single Rum from Jipijapa, the juice ferments with natural yeasts for five to seven days. It is then distilled once in a copper still with a capacity of 500 litres. This single run already produces a spirit at approximately 60% alcohol.

The rum is bottled at 60% without chill filtration or added colouring. Its character combines fresh vegetal notes and tropical fruit with earthy spice; ethereal woody notes meet the rounded sweetness of acacia honey on the finish.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose initially reveals intense aromas of ripe banana, freshly cut grass, lemon zest and chilli. With a little time, gentian root, sea air, pine and freshly baked cornbread emerge.
• Palate: The palate is rich and structured. Fresh pineapple and geranium flowers combine with warm tropical impressions. Earthy notes, coriander seeds, black olive brine, spruce and cardamom complete the flavour profile.
• Finish: The full, lingering finish reveals ethereal notes of cedarwood and camphor. Ginseng root and spices linger, while acacia honey adds a pleasant roundness.

Distillery/Bottler:

Carlos Baque Zorrilla is the third generation to run the distillery in Jipijapa, in Ecuador’s Manabí province. His maternal grandfather, Gonzalo Almanzor Zorrilla Toala, gave El Amparo its name, meaning “refuge”. The international bottling honours the family’s sixty years of experience built up over three generations.

The sugarcane is harvested by machete between September and January at an age of 18 months. Vessels holding between 1,000 and 3000 litres are used for spontaneous fermentation. The small copper still has a short external column with a funnel-shaped neck. This encourages vapour reflux and helps concentrate the aromas.

Facts: