Q: WHY WAS SANTA TERESA 1796 CREATED?
A: To commemorate 200 years of the Hacienda Santa Teresa, the fourth generation of the Vollmer family challenged our Maestros Roneros to develop a rum that could leverage all their rum-making mastery and craftsmanship. The outcome was the world's first super premium rum with a triple aged Solera process, as well as a smooth and balanced profile, the Santa Teresa 1796.
Q: WHY IS IT CALLED SANTA TERESA 1796?
A: The Hacienda Santa Teresa was founded in 1796. The product was launched in 1996 to celebrate 200 years of the Hacienda Santa Teresa being founded.
Q: HOW OLD IS SANTA TERESA 1796 RUM?
A: Santa Teresa 1796 is a triple aged rum. A blend of three different types of alcohols (light, heavy, and pot still) aged separately between 4 and 35 years, then aged a second time in the Solera casks and a third time in the Solera vats.
Q: CAN SANTA TERESA RUM BE CONSIDERED VEGAN OR ORGANIC?
A: Santa Teresa products are 100% vegan according to the "LISAEA" regulation (articles 2 and 3), since it does not include animal derivatives. Its flavors and aromas are developed through the fermentation of molasses, derived 100% from our single-estate sugarcane, distillation, and its unique triple aging process.
It is not a 100% organic product as we still use fertilizers for sugarcane cultivation.
Q: HOW TO DRINK SANTA TERESA 1796?
A: Santa Teresa 1796 is a rum that surprises you with its complexity and long-lasting taste on the palate, with its characteristic notes of nuts, chocolate, honey, and leather that can be enjoyed on any occasion. To highlight these attributes, we recommend trying a Cojonudo. In a short glass with an ice cube, add 2 oz. of Santa Teresa 1796, 1 oz. of soda water, and 1 orange peel.
The sparkling water contributes to the rum's balanced taste, making it much easier to enjoy, share, and repeat. The orange twist brings freshness, evokes the tropics, and highlights the fruity notes of this rum, harmonizing with the bitterness of the chocolate notes. Please, go to the cocktails section to find out more!
Q: WHAT IS DOC?
A: The Controlled Denomination of Origin (D.O.C, in Spanish) is the term that certifies that a product comes from a determined geographical origin and has met a set of specific quality requirements.
The D.O.C. “Ron de Venezuela” was created in 2003 and promoted by a set of rum companies, including Ron Santa Teresa, that believed in the exceptional quality of Venezuelan rums.
To receive this denomination, a Venezuelan rum must have at least a minimum of 2 years of aging; a minimum of 40% ABV, no replenishments of the evaporation of alcohol in the barrels; and the authenticity of the origin and traceability of the ingredients. Find out more at @rondevenezuela
Q: WHAT IS THE TRIPLE AGING PROCESS BEHIND SANTA TERESA 1796?
A: Santa Teresa 1796 has a unique triple aging process.
How this process works:
1. Traditional aging: three types of alcohols, light, heavy, and pot-still, are aged separately from 4 up to 35 years, developing complex flavors and aromas:
- Light: wood, vanilla, clove, and other spices.
- Heavy: apple, pear, banana, fermented fresh fruits, honey.
- Pot Still: leather, dark chocolate, tobacco, rum cellar.
These rums are then carefully blended by our Maestros Roneros.
2. Solera Casks aging: This consists of a system of four rows of Hogshead barrels filled with the blend of rums from the 1st aging, which cascade down one barrel to another, from top to bottom, until it reaches the ground, or suelo in Spanish; hence the name Solera. In this stage, the rum acquires a superior refinement.
This happens because the barrels in the Solera are only half emptied and replenished with half of the barrel right above. Therefore, in each bottle, there is always a portion of that first blend created for its launch, the original Ron Madre (mother rum) from 1992.
3. Solera Vats aging: aged a third time in large vats made of French limousine oak, which are never emptied, achieving a distinctive smoothness and balance. The solera works as a delicate refining process that achieves something like a cotton shirt going through a journey that transforms it into a silk shirt.
Our Solera is a unique aging method, exclusively used for Santa Teresa 1796.
Q: DOES SANTA TERESA 1796 HAS ADDED SUGAR?
A: Santa Teresa 1796 has a minimum sugar content, of less than 3 grams of sugar per 750ml bottle vs other Super Premium brands containing between 15 and 35 grams of sugar per bottle.
Q: DOES SANTA TERESA 1796 INCLUDE ANY ADDITIVES?
A: Santa Teresa 1796 does not contain any type of additives that alter, enhance, improve, or preserve our flavor. Santa Teresa 1796 is an intricate complex rum that presents a wide spectrum of aromas and flavors originating from the congeneric developed throughout the continuous fermentation process which is followed by their concentration during the column and still distillation processes. The triple-aging process ensures that no additional substances are needed to present a great flavor. The distillates from Santa Teresa, particularly the heavy and artisanal pot still alcohols, are notably rich in congeners that evolve throughout the aging process, culminating in a more notable clarity in the Solera.
In addition, the second-use American, white-oak barrels, former American whiskey barrels, provide the liquid with colors, scents, and flavors.
Q: WHAT MAKES THE SANTA TERESA 1796 DRINKING EXPERIENCE UNIQUE?
A: Due to the full complexity of both flavors and aromas, Santa Teresa 1796 exhibits three distinctive characteristics to surprise the drinker:
First, its smoothness. Even though it has an alcohol by volume level of 40%, the flavors can pleasantly be appreciated, ending in a smooth sensation on the palate.
Following an initial sweet aroma, the taste of Santa Teresa 1796 offers a brief, invitingly sweet introduction as the liquid meets your palate. Nevertheless, this initial sweetness quickly goes away, transitioning into a more nuanced and dry flavor profile that provides a balanced experience without overwhelming sweetness.
Thirdly, a long finish makes the Santa Teresa 1796 experience a deserving one. The sensation given by the rum lingers on the palate. This long-lasting experience relates to the spirits of the highest quality.
Regardless of the occasion, Santa Teresa 1796 guarantees that you will enjoy a smooth and balanced rum that is evolving sip after sip by consistently changing the elements on the palate and bringing new ones. This aspect is not seen in most other rums, in which flavors and sensations remain consistent from beginning to end.
Q: WHAT ROLE DOES RUGBY PLAY WITHIN SANTA TERESA?
A: Rugby is the sport that connects all aspects of Santa Teresa Rum in a way consistent with the brand’s essence, character, and, most importantly, purpose. Rugby makes the brand’s values tangible by bringing them to life and giving people the chance to visualize them. This sport is the main transformation tool to guide Santa Teresa’s social programs and is consistent and evident throughout any visit to the Hacienda Santa Teresa.
As Churchill once said, this “hooligans game played by gentlemen”, and by women, portrays boldness, strength, elegance, commitment, authenticity, resilience, and a sense of humor as some of the personality traits of its players. Respect, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and humility are some of the main values that bring sport and brand together, giving the connecting bond between them a deeper layer of meaning.
A sport full of ritual and traditions, the third half is one of those captivating characteristics. It is a space in which opposing teams, after the game has concluded, take time to bond, network, and cultivate long-lasting friendships, ideally sharing our rum.
To learn more about Proyecto Alcatraz, the moving hands behind our greater purpose, please visit https://fundacionsantateresa.org/en/
Q: HAS SANTA TERESA 1796 EARNED ANY AWARDS?
A: Santa Teresa 1796 has been recognized with more than 100 awards internationally. Below are the latest gold medals:
2024: Platinum Medal - Distillers Challenge
2024: Gold Medal - Ascot Awards
2024: Gold Medal - SIP Awards
2024: Great Gold Medal - Virtus Lisboa
2024: Gold Medal - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2024: Gold Medal - Denver International Spirits Competition
2024: Gold Medal - Los Angeles International Spirits Competition
2024: Gold Medal - Berlin International Spirits Competition
2023: Platinum Medal - Ascot Awards
2023: Gold Medal - SIP Awards
2023: Double Gold Medal - Denver Spirits Competition
2023: Gold Medal - The Spirits Business Travel Retail Masters
2023: Gold Medal - The Spirits Business Global Luxury Masters
2023: Gold Medal - The Spirits Business Rum & Cachaca Masters
2023: Great Gold Medal - VIRTUS Lisboa
2023: Gold Medal - USA Spirits Ratings
2023: Gold Medal - New York Spirits Competition
2023: Gold Medal - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2023: Gold Medal - Los Angeles Spirits Competition
2022: Gold Medal - The Spirits Business Global Luxury Masters
2022: Gold Medal - The Spirits Business Rum & Cachaca Masters
2022: Great Gold Medal - VIRTUS Lisboa
2022: Gold Medal - USA Spirits Ratings
2022: Gold Medal - New York Spirits Competition
2022: Gold Medal - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2022: Gold Medal - International Spirits Challenge
2021: 95 Points - The Tasting Panel
2021: Gold Medal - Berlin International Spirits Competition
2021: Gold Medal - London Spirits Competition
2021: Great Gold Medal - VIRTUS Lisboa
2021: Gold Medal - USA Spirits Ratings
2020: 95 Points - Ultimate Spirits Challenge
2020: Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition
2020: Venezuelan Rum of the Year - Berlin ISC
2020: Gold Medal - London International Spirits Challenge
2019: Venezuelan Rum of the Year - Asia International Spirits Competition
2019: Double Gold Medal - Los Angeles Spirits Competition
2019: Gold Medal - International Review of Spirits
2019: Gold Medal | Exceptional - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2018: Double Gold Medal - Critics Challenge Spirits Competition
2018: Best of Class - SIP Awards
2018: Double Gold Medal - Madrid International Rum Conference
2018: Gold Medal | Exceptional - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2017: Double Gold Medal - Madrid International Rum Conference
2016: Gold Medal - San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition, Aged Rum Category
2016: Gold Medal - Madrid International Rum Conference, Extra Aged Rum
2014: Gold Medal | Exceptional - Global Rum Masters
2013: Gold Medal | Exceptional - International Wine & Spirit Competition
2013: Gold Medal | Exceptional - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2012: Double Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition
2012: Gold Medal | Exceptional - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2010: Gold Medal - Concurso Internacional de Vinos y Espirituosos
2009: Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition
2009: Gold Medal | Exceptional - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2008: Gold Medal | Exceptional - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2007: Gold Medal - Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition
2007: Gold Medal - International Cane Spirits Festival & Tasting Competition
2007: Gold Medal | Exceptional - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2006: Spirit Of The Year - The Malt Advocate
2006: Gold Medal | Best in Category - International Wine & Spirit Competition
2005: Number One Overall - Spirit Journal Top 100 Spirits
2005: Gold Medal | Best in Category - International Wine & Spirit Competition
2005: Gold Medal | Exceptional - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2004: Number One Overall - Spirit Journal Top 100 Spirits
2004: Gold Medal | Exceptional - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago
2003: Number One Overall - Spirit Journal Top 100 Spirits
2003: Gold Medal - Gran Alambique de Oro Caracas
2003: Gold Medal | Exceptional - The Beverage Testing Institute Chicago