In 2000, Marco Savio founded the rum brand Malecón – inspired by an encounter with a rum master blender while searching Central America for the finest coffee plantations. Malecón is produced by the Varela Hermanos distillery, a former sugar factory dating back to 1908 in Panama.

Malecón stands for rum made using the traditional Cuban distillation method – although produced in Panama. From the Malecon Carta Oro 3 Year Old to the matured Reserva Imperial 18 Year Old, you will find the right bottle for every occasion in our selection.

How did a coffee trip turn into a rum brand?

Marco Savio founded Malecón in 2000 after a rum master blender introduced him to the world of rum during a trip through Central America – originally undertaken in search of the best coffee plantations. Malecón is still produced today by the Varela Hermanos distillery, founded in 1908 as a sugar factory. Distinctively, it uses Cuban distillation methods dating back to the Spanish colonial era – unusual for a rum made in Panama.

How is Malecón made?

The base is hand-harvested sugar cane grown near the distillery. Fermentation takes place slowly in open vats using natural, airborne yeasts. After distillation, the rum is reduced to 75% ABV and laid down in ex-bourbon casks to mature. The original product line comprised only five distillates; today the range extends to cuvées aged up to 25 years.

Overview of the most popular bottlings

1. Malecon Carta Oro 3 Year Old
The young entry point into the brand.
Taste: Soft and round with bright caramel sweetness.
Serving suggestion: Neat, on ice, or in a mojito.

2. Malecon Reserva Imperial 18 Year Old
The matured premium line.
Taste: Complex with dried fruit, spice, and a long, soft finish.
Serving suggestion: Neat as a digestif.

Facts and figures

Founded: 2000 by Marco Savio. Producer: Varela Hermanos distillery, Panama (founded 1908). Production method: traditional Cuban distillation.