The role of women in the rum industry is multifaceted, ranging from working in the fields and serving as brand ambassadors to ensuring the quality of every drop that reaches consumers’ palates.
For many, the journey has been challenging, as breaking paradigms has always required a clear vision and hard work. That is why, at TheRumLab, we want to commemorate and honor the efforts of some of the great masters of the industry—not just today, but throughout the entire month.
In this four-part series, we will explore the stories of remarkable figures in the industry, learning about their beginnings, inspirations, and perspectives on the role of women in the world of rum.
Today, we have the honor of speaking with Yasmín Chapetón, Maestra Ronera at Ron Botran, and Jassil Villanueva, Maestra Ronera at Brugal.
Yasmín Chapetón studied Food Engineering at the University of Guatemala, where she discovered what would later become her greatest passion: rum.
With an extensive career spanning 17 years in the food industry, 13 of which she has dedicated to Licores de Guatemala, she has found a place to channel her talent and elevate consumers’ sensory experiences.
“I was inspired to enter the rum industry because of my passion for the sensory aspect. It plays a fundamental role in this field. So I decided to seek an opportunity, knowing it would be a great challenge, as Guatemala is one of the world’s finest rum producers.”, says Chapetón.
“From the moment I experienced the magic of sensory evaluation and the complexity involved in tasting a rum, I felt increasingly drawn to this world.” – Yasmin Chapeton, Maestra Ronera en Botran.
Throughout her time in the industry, she has observed that women today have achieved positions that many aspired to in previous years. They have also taken on various roles within the teams they are part of:
“From sugarcane cultivation to the highest positions in the production chain, women are present, demonstrating that we can perform any role with excellence.”
Additionally, Yasmin firmly believes that women who aspire to be part of the rum industry must be persistent and confident in themselves to face the challenges that arise in their careers.
“I truly believe that the most important thing for any woman who wants a role in this industry is to have confidence in herself and be persistent in overcoming every challenge. Likewise, I encourage them to stay up to date, as this market is constantly evolving.”, affirms Yasmín.
Chapeton continues to specialize and further her studies to keep offering her best in her professional career. She hopes her impact will be marked by the creation of innovative rums and the promotion of a rum culture in Guatemala and beyond, educating palates to appreciate the unique characteristics that only rum can offer.
Jassil’s family has a deep-rooted connection to rum. She grew up surrounded by Brugal’s legacy, where passion, tradition, and craftsmanship were part of everyday life. At that moment, her path to becoming the 5th Generation Maestra Ronera of Brugal began.
“Watching my father work with the company day in and day out was also very inspiring because I saw how he continued the Brugal legacy long before I was a part of the company.”
However, what truly hooked her was the realization that rum is more than just a spirit; it is a symbol that carries history and artistry and can bring people together.
“I was fascinated by the complexity of its creation, from the selection of barrels to the influence of time on flavor. That curiosity led me to immerse myself in the craft and honor our heritage while innovating for the future”.
But her journey wasn’t just about following a legacy; time after, she realized that it was about discovering her path within it.
“Being the first female Maestra Ronera at Brugal and in the Dominican Republic is an honor, but more than that, it’s a responsibility to keep the spirit of Brugal alive while always pushing boundaries for the future – every detail shapes something truly special”.
In her professional path, she has noticed that over the years, women have increasingly taken on leadership roles in the rum and spirits industry, and their influence continues to grow.
“Once a male-dominated field, women are now integral to every stage of production, from distillation to blending, shaping the flavors and quality of spirits. Many women have also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching their brands and bringing fresh perspectives focused on sustainability and innovation”.
Furthermore, Villanueva affirms that women also have significantly impacted cocktail culture, using rum to create new and exciting drinks that appeal to diverse audiences.
“With greater visibility and recognition, women are breaking down gender barriers, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in the industry.”
From her point of view, the rum world is becoming more diverse, inclusive, and dynamic than ever before.
Therefore, understanding that historically, women have been outnumbered, she encourages other women aspiring to enter the industry to remember that staying true to your dreams and maintaining a deep respect for the traditions that shape the craft can lead to remarkable success and meaningful impact.
“If you commit to pushing boundaries with innovation and constantly evolving the craft, your dedication, passion, and appreciation for the artistry will not only set you apart but will also resonate globally, inspiring others and paving the way for future generations”, remarks Villanueva.
Finally, she hopes that when people look back on her time as the fifth-generation Brugal Maestra Ronera, they’ll see that she, along with past and future generations of Maestro Roneros, share a genuine passion for the spirit of rum and the traditions that have guided them through over 135 years of mastery in rum-making.
“I expect people come to recognize that while rum has deep, historic roots in the Dominican Republic, embracing innovation and continually pushing boundaries is crucial for elevating rum to new heights—making it more widely recognized, appreciated, and enjoyed across diverse cultures, and ultimately opening doors for it to be celebrated on a global scale”.
Along the way, these women have embraced the historical path of rum, bridging their strategies, vision, and approaches to elevate the category. Their seals will tell a new story of a legacy that only women could lead.
In our next article, we’ll have the honour to share this space with another two great women of the rum world: Carmen López Bastidas from Ron Carúpano, and Liza Cordero from Serralles.
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The image of the article is courtesy of Yasmin Chapeton and Jassil Villanueva
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