Zafra

Zafra is a brand of premium rum from Panama, renowned for its sophistication and emphasis on long aging. The name itself comes from the Spanish word “zafra”, which refers to the sugarcane harvest – symbolically pointing to the beginning of every rum’s journey, from the field to the glass.

The Zafra brand is produced by the Panamanian Las Cabras Distillery, located in the province of Herrera, in the town of Pesé – considered the heart of Panama’s rum production.

The distillery is led by the legendary Don Pancho Fernandez, who also serves as the master blender for the Zafra brand. Don Pancho, originally from Cuba, gained his expertise in rum-making there, and after moving to Panama, became a key figure in shaping its modern rum identity.

Las Cabras Distillery is well known for producing several premium rums – not only Zafra, but also other brands where Don Pancho is involved in blending. Thanks to high-quality raw material (molasses from Panamanian sugarcane), the tropical climate, and precise aging in bourbon barrels, the distillery has become synonymous with the Panamanian style of rum – smooth, refined, and elegant.

The production process begins with high-quality molasses from Panamanian sugarcane. Distillation takes place in column stills, ensuring a smooth and clean distillate. It is then aged in American white oak barrels that previously held bourbon. Panama’s climate provides ideal conditions for maturation – the heat and humidity accelerate the interaction between distillate and wood, resulting in beautifully integrated and balanced rum.

The brand’s portfolio contains several treasures. Zafra Master Reserve 21 Años is its most famous product, a blend of rums aged for at least 21 years. It offers smoothness and depth, with notes of caramel, dried fruit, vanilla, and spice. For connoisseurs, there is the exclusive Zafra Master Series 30 Años, an ultra-premium edition containing rums aged up to 30 years – with a very rich profile dominated by tobacco, chocolate, exotic wood, and dried plums. On the other hand, Zafra Ron Master Reserve 12 Años represents a more approachable version, with a honey-vanilla character, suitable even for those just beginning their rum journey.

Zafra is also known for offering exceptionally old rums at a fairer price compared to what is usual in the ultra-premium category. Its bottles are often described as a “hidden gem” that combines quality, craftsmanship, and tradition.

Thus, Zafra represents the union of Panamanian terroir, Cuban blending artistry, and modern premium elegance. It is a rum that appeals both to lovers of sweeter, gentler styles and to connoisseurs seeking a complex and well-aged tasting experience.