Ron Zacapa, the acclaimed premium aged rum rooted in Guatemalan heritage, announced an exclusive collaboration with luxury Colombian fashion house Agua by Agua Bendita. As part of Zacapa’s ongoing commitment to creating a platform for creatives within the Latin American community, this partnership celebrates the region’s rich traditions and artisans that bring them to life. Seamlessly blending high fashion and premium spirits, the collaboration pays homage to the artistry and heritage of the region.
United by a shared dedication to craftsmanship and culture, Zacapa and Agua by Agua Bendita have built their brands with artisans at their core. For both, preserving tradition and elevating handmade artistry are not just commitments—they are woven into their very DNA. This partnership embodies their mutual devotion to showcasing Latin American craftsmanship on a global stage, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation, artistry with luxury, and heritage with celebration.
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared commitment to preserving tradition and empowering artisans. Zacapa and Agua by Agua Bendita are dedicated to championing female craftsmanship across Latin America. Since 1999, Zacapa has supported over 700 Guatemalan women in handcrafting the intricate Petate bands that adorn each bottle, carrying forward a legacy of craftsmanship. This dedication is mirrored in Agua by Agua Bendita’s mission, as they empower skilled women in rural Colombia, whose hands intricately craft each garment, weaving together the threads of tradition, culture and artistry.
The limited-edition release is a set featuring a bottle of the crown jewel of Zacapa’s portfolio, Zacapa XO, presented alongside a crafted handbag designed to be both a striking statement piece and an artful vessel for the rum. The design incorporates Zacapa’s iconic Petate1 weaving, alongside Agua by Agua Bendita’s signature embroidery, crafted by Colombian artisans. Delicately adorned with orchids, an emblem in both brands’ storied histories, acts as a unifying symbol and anchoring force honoring the region’s rich cultural tapestry. More than an accessory, this piece is a lasting emblem of heritage and artistry.
“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Agua by Agua Bendita, a brand that shares our deep commitment to honoring Latin American artisanship,” said Anne Nosko, vice president of Rum, Diageo North America. “Bringing together Zacapa’s storied tradition of Petate weaving with Agua by Agua Bendita’s intricate embroidery, we’ve created something that is more than a piece to be admired—it’s a testament to the hands that craft it and the cultures that inspire it.”
“Our brand has always been about celebrating the hands behind the craft,” said Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Álvarez, co-founders of Agua by Agua Bendita. “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 roots.”
This collaboration follows Zacapa’s recognition of Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Álvarez as recipients of the “Visionary of the Year” award at the 2024 Latin American Fashion Summit (LAFS) in Miami, Florida. This honor marks a natural progression of Zacapa’s partnership with the designers, highlighting their exceptional contributions to the world of luxury fashion and their unwavering dedication to community empowerment.
In celebration of this collaboration, Zacapa and Agua by Agua Bendita are partnering with Highsnobiety to host exclusive events in both Miami and New York City. These gatherings will bring together creatives, tastemakers and cultural leaders to honor the partnership, showcase Latin American craftsmanship and celebrate the intersection of fashion, artistry, and spirits.
The Zacapa X Agua by Agua Bendita Collaboration is available online exclusively through the luxury e-commerce retailer, TheBar.com. Retailing for $510, the limited-edition kit is available via presale–sign up now for access.
