It’s probably true to say that Guatemala is rum country. Some very fine rum is
produced here including the world renowned Rum Zacapa. However, over the
last few years blended whisky from the high-end Johnnie Walker to its cheaper
imitations have become increasingly popular.
Thanks to Distribuidora Marte single malt whisky is now making an appearance
here in Guatemala. Last week, a group of single malt aficionados met at the
Antigua Tabaco Compañia -which has probably the largest selection of Central
American Cigars in the whole of Guatemala- (It’s true to say that malt whisky
and cigars are a marriage made in heaven!), to listen to a great talk by Hector
Aguilar. I’m pleased to say that the aficionados asked some challenging
questions but Hector who spent time in Scotland knew his whisky!
We sampled three single malts. Each had its own particular character: From
Speyside, the smooth and mellow Singleton, followed by the clean, sweet malty
Cardhu, and the cigar smokers’ choice, the peaty Caol Ila from Islay.
It was a fun as well as an educating evening, and I’m pleased to say that many of
the aficionados now have a bottle or two of these fine malts at home!
