A story rooted in Mayan legend and Salvadoran terroir
The Ron Cihuatán adventure began in 2004, when Licorera Cihuatán (a subsidiary of the Ingenio La Cabaña sugar group) decided to create El Salvador's first and only rum distillery. The name Cihuatán pays homage to a buried Mayan city, where legend has it that a goddess brought wealth and fertility before falling asleep under the guise of Mount Guazapa, watching over the local crops ever since. In Nahuatl, "Cihuatán" means "the land near the sleeping woman."
From the outset, the distillery has been committed to producing 100% Salvadoran rum, controlling every stage of the process: from the cultivation of sugar cane (grown in century-old fields) to distillation, aging, and bottling. This integrated approach, combined with a deep respect for the environment and local communities, makes Ron Cihuatán a symbol of national pride and an ambassador for Salvadoran craftsmanship.
Unique craftsmanship and production methods
Ron Cihuatán stands out for its fully controlled production process, where tradition and innovation come together to create rums of rare complexity and smoothness.
From cane to glass: 100% local production
The distillery uses only sugar cane grown in El Salvador, which is transformed into molasses in a century-old mill before being distilled in column stills. Unlike many industrial distilleries, Cihuatán relies on a slow, artisanal process that preserves the natural aromas of the cane and the terroir. Master blender Gabriela Ayala, a central figure in the brand, supervises every step to ensure impeccable quality.
Innovative aging: ceiba barrels, a world first
Ron Cihuatán is the only distillery in the world to use ceiba barrels, a tree sacred to the Mayans, renowned for its resistance and unique aromatic properties. These barrels, combined with American bourbon and sherry barrels, give the rums woody, spicy, and floral notes, with hints of honey, vanilla, and tropical fruits. The distillery also uses the solera method for some of its blends, resulting in balanced and deep profiles.
Among the flagship expressions:
- Cihuatán Jade (4 years): A young, fruity rum aged in bourbon barrels, ideal for cocktails. Its notes of lemon, vanilla, and fresh cane make it a perfect introduction.
- Cihuatán Indigo (8 years old): Aged in bourbon barrels, this rum offers aromas of caramel, nuts, and dried fruit, with a touch of wood and sweet spices. It pays homage to Tlaloc, the Mayan god of rain.
- Cihuatán Cinabrio (12 years old): A rich and complex rum, aged in bourbon and sherry barrels, with notes of chocolate, coffee, and honey. Its smooth texture and balance make it a favorite among connoisseurs.
- Cihuatán Xamán XO: The flagship of the range, aged for 16 years with a finish in ceiba barrels. This exceptional rum offers aromas of candied fruit, nuts, cocoa, and spices, with a long, elegant finish.
- Cihuatán Alux: A limited edition aged in cognac and oloroso sherry barrels, with notes of cashew, ginger, and chocolate.
A self-sufficient and committed distillery
Ron Cihuatán is self-sufficient: it produces its own electricity from bagasse (sugarcane residue) and recycles all of its by-products. This commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment is reflected in every bottle, where authenticity and quality are the watchwords.
Since its creation, Ron Cihuatán has won over experts and received numerous awards, including:
- Gold Medal for Cihuatán Xamán XO at the International Spirits Challenge.
- Recognized as one of the most innovative rums in Central America, praised for its aging in ceiba barrels and its unique aromatic profile.
- Awarded for its commitment to quality and authenticity, notably at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the World Rum Awards.
These awards confirm Ron Cihuatán's place among the most authentic and refined rums on the continent, appreciated for their connection to Mayan history, their complexity, and their smoothness.
Ron Cihuatán is like a journey to the heart of El Salvador:
- Neat or on the rocks: To appreciate the richness of its woody and fruity aromas.
- In cocktails: Perfect for tropical creations, such as the Cihuatán Sour (rum, lime juice, cane syrup, and egg white) or the Maya Old Fashioned (rum, agave syrup, and bitters).
- As an accompaniment: Ideal with dark chocolate or exotic fruit desserts, or spicy dishes to balance its sweetness.
Ron Cihuatán embodies the soul of El Salvador: a blend of Mayan legend, unspoiled land, and artisanal expertise. Drawing on history and nature, innovating with ceiba barrels, and maintaining 100% local production, the distillery offers authentic, smooth, and memorable rums. For lovers of spirits steeped in history and mystery, Ron Cihuatán is a bottle of Salvadoran tradition, passion, and magic.
