Varela Brothers Distillery (Ron Abuelo)

Varela Hermanos is the family-owned company that produces Ron Abuelo in Pesé, a sugar cane town in the province of Herrera, in central Panama. Its history began in 1908, when Spanish immigrant José Varela Blanco opened the San Isidro Sugar Mill, the first sugar mill in the newly formed Republic of Panama.

In 1936, at the request of his three eldest children, he began distilling rum from molasses made from his own sugar cane. Today, the company remains in the family, now led by the third generation, and is one of the few rum distilleries that still uses sugar cane grown on its own land.

From Cane to Barrel

It all begins in the sugar cane fields surrounding the distillery at the San Isidro Estate. The sugar cane is used to produce molasses, which is fermented and distilled in columns. The rum is aged in American oak barrels that previously held bourbon in Panama's tropical climate, which accelerates the interaction with the wood. The family has also created the "Ron Abuelo Route" at the estate, allowing visitors to discover the origins of its rums firsthand.

Ron Abuelo Rums

• Ron Abuelo Añejo: the youngest in the range, smooth and versatile, designed primarily for cocktails and mixed drinks.
• Ron Abuelo 12 Años: aged for at least 12 years in former bourbon barrels; smooth, with notes of vanilla, caramel, nuts, and wood.

At Vinnalia, we select Ron Abuelo because it is a family-tradition rum, made from sugar cane grown on the family's own land all the way to the bottle, and offers excellent value for money. Fast delivery in 24–48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ron Abuelo

Where does Ron Abuelo come from?
Panama. It is produced in Pesé, in the province of Herrera, at the Varela family distillery.

What is it made with?
Molasses obtained from sugar cane grown on the family's own estates.

Which one should I choose to get started or as a gift?
The Añejo for mojitos, Cuba libres, and other mixed drinks; the 12 Años for drinking neat or as a gift.

How should the 12 Años be served?
Neat or with a large ice cube in a lowball glass. It pairs well with dark chocolate, coffee, or a cigar.