Panama rum has been around about as long as the spirit itself, with the isthmus facing the Caribbean and the Spanish growing sugar cane here almost as long as they had feet on the ground. Even before the canal came along, goods moved across the narrow isthmus to get from one ocean to another and those sailors and workers needed something to drink!
The tropical climate and fertile land of Panama create the perfect conditions for sugarcane cultivation, making it an ideal location for rum production. Panamanian rum has long been an also-ran at the high end though, with far less recognition than Guatemalan rum or the famous Flor de Cana from Nicaragua. In a way that has turned into a plus, however. Since one company doesn’t have a lock on the market like it does in those counties, smaller producers have been able to flourish while taking their time to let the barrels mature.
I’m losing count of how many times I’ve been to Panama, including stopovers, but each time I find another rum brand I’ve never heard of before that’s selling a premium aged sipping rum. This last time I was in Panama City, at the end of 2024, it felt like there was an explosion. There’s a proper rum bar in Casco Viejo now and the store shelves have enough choices to stock your bar for years. Panamanian rums have quietly developed a reputation for quality, with many brands winning prestigious awards at international spirits competitions.
As the popularity of Panamanian rum continues to rise, expect prices to rise from their current value level, so snag a bottle in Panama itself where the low taxes mean you’ll do better than elsewhere. Pour a glass neat and enjoy some of the finest rum the world has to offer.
The Origins of Panamanian Rum
Panamanian rum has a rich history shaped by various influences, from early distillation techniques to the lasting impact of Spanish culture. Its significance in the local culture adds to its unique identity and beloved status.
The origins of rum in Panama can be traced back to the arrival of Spanish colonists in the 16th century. They brought sugarcane and distillation methods, which were essential to rum production.
By the late 19th century, rums began to gain more structure and refinement. As distillation methods advanced, so did the quality of the rum. The humid climate of Panama fostered ideal conditions for aging rum, influencing the depth of flavors in the final product. Eventually this culminated in the emergence of premium brands.
The Spanish heritage is evident in every sip of Panamanian rum. Influential figures like José Varela Blanco, who arrived in Panama from Spain in 1893, transformed the landscape of rum production. He introduced innovative processes that enhanced the quality and flavor profile of the rum.
Today, brands like Carta Vieja and Zafra showcase this rich legacy. They have integrated traditional Spanish techniques with modern practices to produce exceptional rums.
Rum holds a treasured place in Panamanian culture. It is often associated with celebrations, family gatherings, and national festivities. The renowned Panama Rum Festival, held annually, highlights the country’s rich distillation heritage and showcases local brands.
Leading Premium Rum Brands from Panama
Panama is known for its rich rum heritage, with several brands standing out for their quality and legacy. This section will highlight some of the leading premium rum brands from Panama, detailing their histories, accolades, and signature offerings.
Varela Hermanos and Their Signature Ron Abuelo
Varela Hermanos has been a cornerstone of Panamanian rum production since 1908 and it’s the brand you’re most likely to see both within the country and on foreign store shelves. The “grandfather rum” is a staple of local cocktails at the low end but has a stable of respected aged brands at the high end, with multiple award wins. This family-owned company crafts its rums from locally grown sugarcane, emphasizing traditional distillation methods, and has been a pioneer of production sustainability both in the fields and the distillery.
The signature offering, Abuelo Rum, is one of the best-known brands from Central America. I think the younger version is a bit harsh and no standout, on par with most of the other inexpensive offerings on the liquor store shelf for cocktails, but it gets better and smoother as the years on the bottle go up.
Carta Vieja
Carta Vieja is another major player in the Panamanian rum scene, founded in the 1950s. The brand offers several aged solera varieties, including its popular 12-year-old and 18-year Añejo expressions.
I got to try the 12-year one at the Mandinga Rum Bar in Panama City when I was there, so kudos to the bar named after a specific brand that isn’t afraid to showcase its competitors. I was really happy with what I ordered, a complex sipping rum that hit all the tastebuds and moved from delicious caramel to vanilla, chocolate, and leather.
This brand has consistently won accolades, such as recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Reviews frequently point to its complex flavor profile, featuring hints of vanilla, oak, and spices, appealing to both novice and seasoned rum enthusiasts.
Pedro Mandinga Rum
Mandinga Rum is a relative newcomer on the scene, established in 2013, but they’ve put some marketing muscle and funds into getting the word out, including opening the branded rum bar mentioned earlier in Casco Viejo. Probably because they’re so young, most of their offerings are meant for cocktails, with a spiced rum, a coconut rum, and one infused with the ultra-expensive Geisha Coffee from Panama.
They have their own farm in the area near Boquete and Mount Baru though, plus their product is triple-distilled in copper stills, so it is very smooth.
I went straight for the top of the line with the Mandinga Añejo, buying a bottle then passing it around the van with a group of fellow adventure travel conference attendees. It got the thumbs up from them, but not until I had sipped some on my own on the hotel balcony neat and on ice.
This rum is not as heavy as ones with more age on them and might not be the best bet if you’re going to smoke a cigar. It’s bright, with tropical fruit notes, the oak lending just enough seriousness that the finish lingers and evolves. It’s a nice sipper in warm weather, which is all the time in Panama.
This brand is named after a leader of the Cimarron people on the Caribbean coast, known as fierce warriors who could disappear into the wild terrain. Pedro became a translator and guide for pillaging pirate Francis Drake.
Don Poncho Origenes
Don Poncho represents a fusion of traditional and contemporary rum-making techniques. Its founder, a master rum maker who originally studied and made rum in Cuba, has been dedicated to refining the craft since the brand’s inception. You’ll run into his name a lot when looking into rum from Panama: Francisco “Don Poncho” Fernandez.
This brand is fully his though and they’re not messing around with cocktail mixers. The youngest in the line is 8 years old and the others are 18 and 30. You can see examples of these keepsake bottles at the very top. You’ve got to love their tagline: “A rum worth waiting a lifetime for.”
All of them have won numerous awards, including gold at the International Rum Conference. Reviewers appreciate its aromatic profile that gets more intense as the night goes on, featuring notes of chocolate, banana, and hints of coffee. The 30-year version is something to savor for a special occasion, See more here at the official website.
Zafra Rum From Las Cabras Distillery
Master blender Don Poncho has roamed around and worked with other brands in Panama too. The Zafra Master Reserve 21 might just be the best bang for the buck you’ll find in the whole country. Apparently what’s inside this bottle actually is 21 years old. Most of the others on this list use a “solera” blend of multiple years. So in those cases something with 21 on the bottle is just showing how long the oldest contributor to the blend has been in aged bourbon barrels.
This is complex and expensive-tasting Spanish-style rum that often retails in the USA for $65 or less and if you can find it on the shelf in Panama City, where it’ll be even less, snag it!
If you’re buying a gift for a rum lover, you could step up and get the Zafra 30-year version. Some reviewers think that’s way too long in barrels in such a hot climate, as opposed to Guatemala where barrels are aged in the highlands, so expect a heavy oak presence in that one.
If you want to look smart, “zafra” is a word for sugar cane harvest time, but the origin is probably Arabic and evolved over time as it moved from Spain to the new world.
Marieleta
Founded by “the first Cuban-American woman founder of a rum brand,” Founder Janet Diaz-Bonilla met Don Poncho, the legend coming up yet again, and the two collaborated on a new brand.
Marieleta is known for its artisanal approach, focusing on quality over quantity. The brand emphasizes small-batch production, ensuring each rum meets high standards. The 18-year version really is aged 18 years and though it retails for $85, you can often find it on sale for less, a good value.
As best I can tell this is the only version available for now and I look forward to trying it next time I’m in the country.
Grander Rum
This one was founded by an American from Kentucky and when he started asking around about good rum in Panama, you can guess whose name came up by now. So the story repeats itself and Dan DeHart teamed up with Don Poncho, giving this one the stamp of a master too.
Grander Rum is in one of the most impressive bottles you will find in Panama, so it could be a good one to buy at the duty free shop in the airport to bring someone as a gift. They also offer a wider range of choices than most, from a “cane harvest” version with no aging to “trophy release” single barrel versions that can be unexpected and full of personality.
Grander Rum is aged in sherry or bourbon barrels, contributing to its distinctive flavor. Different versions have garnered scores well above 90 out of 100 in blind taste tests. This includes the gold-winning 8-year version, which has a list price of just $40. See more here.
Panama-Pacific Rum
Panama-Pacific Rum is steeped in history, paying homage to the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The brand focuses on traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. It is another one bucking the opaque “solera” method with this statement: “Panamá-Pacific’s age statement reflects the youngest rum in the blend, not just a portion of it.”
It offers a range of rums, from a white version to ones aged 5, 9, 15, and 23 years. All of them spend the first three years in used bourbon barrels. The best barrels are split off for different aging lengths in bourbon or Canadian whiskey barrels, while the rest is charcoal filtered for the white version. (So even that one is more complex than your usual white rum, making a great mojito.)
I have only had this one once, the 12-year I think, but I remember thinking what was inside was more impressive than the packaging. Better than the reverse!
SelvaRey With a Celebrity Endorsement
SelvaRey Rum, co-owned by artist Bruno Mars, stands out for its celebrity endorsement and unique offerings. Founded in 2014, the brand focuses on premium blends crafted in Panama and a more modern, svelte bottle design than the others.
The Owner’s Reserve is a highlight, featuring rums aged from 15 to 25 years. This rum has received prestigious awards, including gold at various international competitions.
I haven’t tried this one yet but it seems to rise above being just another celebrity spirit. Blind taste test reviewers often praise its complexity, with rich flavors of tropical fruits and an inviting finish.
That should be enough rum to try over the course of several years, but it’s clear that Panama is gaining ground in offering the most diverse collection of rum brands in Central America and the Caribbean region, a smoother alternative to the many brands you can find on islands like Barbados and Jamica.
How about you? Anything you’ve loved from Panama that we missed in our searches?
