Yasmín Chapetón Ruiz, Head of Production & Master Blender at Botran: Guiding the Legacy and Innovation of Guatemalan Rum

With 17 years of experience in the food industry—13 of them dedicated to rum—Yasmín Chapetón Ruiz has become a key figure in the evolution of Botran Aged Rums. A Food Engineer by training, she began her career in quality control and management systems before moving into production, where her expertise and leadership quickly positioned her within the team of Master Blenders.

Today, as Head of Production, she oversees the entire lifecycle of Botran’s rums, from their intricate aging process in the highlands of Guatemala to the creation of new expressions for global markets.

Her work is rooted in preserving the consistency, tradition, and complexity that define Botran’s legacy, while simultaneously driving innovation and ensuring that each bottle reflects the unique character of Guatemalan rum.

TRL: What was the biggest challenge you faced in launching your rum brand, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was truly mastering the complexity of the Botran aging process. Unlike traditional methods, our Dynamic Aging System involves a sophisticated sequence of different casks.

Learning how the altitude and the low oxygen levels interact with the wood was a steep learning curve. I had to deeply study how the liquid evolves during each step of the aging of our facilities. I overcame this by immersing myself in the process, documenting how every variable affects the final profile. It taught me that being a Master Blender is about patience and constant learning; you have to listen to the rum and understand that the wood and the altitude have their own rhythm.

TRL: Can you share a personal experience or moment that significantly influenced your brand’s direction?

A pivotal moment for me was realizing that our rum is a living, breathing entity that doesn’t always follow a spreadsheet. Sometimes, when evaluating a specific batch where the analytical data are perfect, the sensory evaluations can show me that it hasn´t reached its full potential.

That moment of trusting my palate over the data had a significant influence on our direction. It taught us to embrace the liquid’s flexibility, leading to the creation of more complex expressions, such as our Rare Blend collection. It proved that our brand’s strength lies in the balance between technical rigor and the intuitive touch that only a Master Blender can provide.”

TRL: How do you balance tradition with innovation in your approach to rum-making or marketing?

For me, balancing tradition with innovation is about respecting the legacy while embracing curiosity. At Botran, our tradition is non-negotiable: we strictly follow our Dynamic Aging System and use only virgin sugar cane honey. That is our foundation.

However, we innovate through the versatility of our finishes. For example, while we honor our heritage, we are not afraid to experiment with different cask types to create new sensory profiles. Innovation also means being pioneers like Botran Rum in sustainability, as we were the first sustainable rum in the world.

TRL: What are some recent initiatives or products you’ve launched that have been particularly impactful?

Two recent initiatives stand out as milestones for our brand. First, the launch of the Botran Rare Blend Collection, where we explored the versatility of the spirit by aging it in unique casks, such as those previously used for agave distillates, and the more recent Botran Infinito, an exclusive rum that uses eight different casks to impart great complexity. These products have been incredibly well-received because they offer an innovative sensory experience while maintaining our traditional profile.

Second, and perhaps most importantly, is our “Crop to Drop” sustainability certification. We are proud to be the first rum in the world to achieve ISCC Plus certification across our entire supply chain. This initiative has been transformative, demonstrating that it is possible to produce a premium aged rum with complete respect for the environment. These products not only taste good and are of high quality, but they also represent a responsible future for the spirits industry.

TRL: How do you educate consumers about your rum, and what’s the most important lesson they should take away?

We educate consumers through immersive sensory experiences. Whether it’s a masterclass or a tasting session, I focus on teaching them to ‘deconstruct’ the rum—identifying the influence of the virgin sugar cane honey and the high-altitude aging.

The most important lesson I want them to take away is that rum is as complex and noble as any fine

Scotch or Cognac. I want them to understand the value of our Designation of Origin (D.O.) Guatemalan Rum, which guarantees that every drop is aged at 2,300 meters above sea level. Ultimately, I want them to learn that patience is our main ingredient; when they sip Botran, they are not just tasting an aged rum, they are tasting time, geography, and Guatemalan craftsmanship.”

TRL: How do you manage quality and consistency as your brand grows and enters new markets?

Managing quality during expansion requires a perfect marriage between standardized protocols and sensory mastery. As Botran enters new markets, we maintain consistency through three main pillars: First, we have a vertical integration model—from the sugar cane fields to the bottling plant—which gives us total control over our raw materials. Second, I’ve implemented rigorous physicochemical and chromatographic analysis to ensure that the ‘chemical fingerprint’ of our rum remains stable.

However, the most critical filter is our Master Blending Council. No batch leaves the cellar without a sensory evaluation that meets our strict profile standards. We don’t rush the process to meet market demand; we adapt our production planning to respect the natural aging cycles. Growth for us is not just about volume; it’s about scaling excellence.

TRL: What is your long-term vision for your rum brand, and how do you see your role in the evolution of the rum industry?

My long-term vision for the brand is to create memorable experiences that go beyond the bottle. The goal is not only to be recognized for quality, but for authenticity and depth. Within the evolution of the rum industry, I see my role as someone who bridges tradition, science, and sensory expertise.

TRL: What’s one piece of educational advice you would give rum lovers to better understand the spirit?

My biggest piece of advice is to ‘practice the art of patience’ when tasting a glass of rum. I always tell rum lovers to let the liquid breathe in the glass for a few minutes first. This allows the aromatic complexity from our high-altitude aging to fully open up.

Also, try to taste it in three stages: first, appreciate the color and viscosity (the ‘tears’ in the glass); second, discover the aromas without rushing; and finally, take a small sip to let your palate adapt to the alcohol before looking for the notes of toasted oak, vanilla, or dried fruits. Understanding rum is about understanding layers of time. Once you learn to wait, the rum will tell you its whole story.

TRL: How can people learn more about you? Website? Social media page?

Instagram:

• https://www.instagram.com/yasmin.chapeton?igsh=MWxtaHh1NWpqNTdzeA==

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasm%C3%ADn-chapet%C3%B3n-ruiz-a6168260?utm_source=share&ut m_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

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