Zacapa x Agua by Agua Bendita Collaboration Honors Craftsmanship in Latin America

Zacapa Rum has teamed with Colombian fashion brand Agua by Agua Bendita to launch a limited-edition set featuring a bottle of the Guatemalan label’s top offering, Zacapa XO, and a handcrafted bag celebrating the intersection of heritage and craftsmanship in Latin America.

The set was revealed Monday a few months after Agua by Agua Bendita founders, Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Álvarez, were honored with the Visionary of the Year award at the 2024 Latin American Fashion Summit in Miami. The collaboration aims to underscore Zacapa’s commitment to supporting and providing a platform for creative talents within the Latin American community, while celebrating the region’s traditions and artisans.

“What sets Zacapa apart is its deep connection to Guatemala — from the rich volcanic soil where our sugarcane grows to our aging process at the ‘House Above the Clouds,’ 7,500 feet above sea level. We use the first press of sugarcane, known as virgin sugarcane, for a smoother, more refined flavor, and age our rums using the traditional Sistema Solera method. But Zacapa is more than a drink — it’s a reflection of Guatemalan heritage. Each bottle is wrapped with a petate band woven by local women, symbolizing tradition, artistry, and the soul of our land,” Anne Nosko, vice president of rum, Diageo North America, told WWD.

Zacapa Rum’s earliest encounters with craftsmanship came in 1976, when the spirit label first collaborated with women from El Progreso to adorn their bottles with the petate weaving. “Over time, Zacapa expanded its impact, incorporating women from villages in Jocotán who were severely affected by a harsh dry season. In the face of these challenges, these women have emerged as inspiring leaders within their communities,” Nosko added.

Continuing its support, the premium spirits brand recently introduced the Visionary of the Year award at the fashion summit. Following its collaboration with Luar, last year’s recognition of Álvarez and Hinestroza further demonstrates their shared efforts to preserve tradition, culture and empower artisans.

The limited-edition launch includes a bottle of Zacapa XO, paired with a bag whose style merges Zacapa’s traditional petate weaving with Agua by Agua Bendita’s signature embroidery, crafted by Colombian artisans. The orchid embroidery pays homage to the region’s cultural heritage.

“Our brand has always been about celebrating the hands behind the craft,” said Hinestroza and Álvarez in a statement. “Partnering with Zacapa allows us to merge our dedication to handmade artistry with their legacy of excellence, bringing the beauty of Latin America to a wider audience. Every stitch and weave in this collection is a testament to artistry, dedication, and the spirit of Latin American craftsmanship.”