Ron Zacapa and Agua by Agua Bendita understand the virtue of preserving the past. The premium Guatemalan rum brand and the Colombian luxury fashion label transcended their disciplines to produce a one-of-a-kind collaboration, inspired by their shared passion for artisanal craftsmanship and the preservation of cultural heritage. To say they’re in sync is insufficient. The duo masterfully blends time-honored customs with contemporary design to create an effusive celebration of Latin American artistry.
Zacapa x Agua by AB arrives as a curated collection of bespoke offerings gathered into one illustrious set. Each piece uniquely captures the spirit of the lands and people that made it. First, a bottle of Zacapa XO, aged above the clouds in the Guatemalan highlands for an inimitably smooth medley of mature and lifting flavors like dark cherry and clove. Accompanying the rum are an elaborately shaped wooden spoon and a pair of delicate hand-painted ceramic glasses—perfect for an intimate toast with a friend or a sumptuous nightcap.
The spirit maker's signature petate-woven bands, carefully crafted by female artisans for generations, are incorporated in a beautiful handbasket-inspired bag. As stylish as it is timeless, the elegant accessory bears Agua’s distinctive Colombian embroidery on its pure linen canvas, complemented by a touch of decadence from its premium leather straps. A fique bag charm woven in the shape of a blossoming orchid complements the bag’s floral detail work, adding a rustic charm.
“Our chosen materials reflect our design sensibilities: a blend of traditional craftsmanship and high-quality items,” explains Mariana Hinestroza, who co-founded Agua by Agua Bendita with Catalina Álvarez in 2018. “The use of leather and linen highlights our appreciation for high-quality, lasting materials, while the fique, the petate, and the embroidery honor our cultural heritage.”
Beyond the materials themselves, the orchid motif adorning the bag, charm, and ceramic glasses highlights the shared values of Agua and Zacapa, thoughtfully manifested in this ornate collection of artisanal goods. Orchids are the national flower in both Colombia and Guatemala. Colombia has the Cattleya, a many-hued bloom known for its large, ephemeral flowers. Guatemala, meanwhile, prizes the Monja Blanca, a rare albino variant symbolic of peace. “More than just a design element, the floral motif is a tribute to the women who drive and shape our brands,” shares Álvarez. “It reflects the artistry, care, and strength of the women artisans whose hands bring each piece to life.”
Anne Nosko, VP of Rum for Zacapa parent company Diageo, concurs. “Adorned with orchids—a meaningful emblem in both brands’ histories—the collection becomes a unifying symbol of Latin America’s rich cultural tapestry. Together, Zacapa and Agua by Agua Bendita present a powerful tribute to heritage, honoring the land, the people, and the generations of women who continue to keep these traditions alive.”
Zacapa x Agua by Agua Bendita is, above all, an experience. Carrying the delicately embroidered Agua bag or sipping a glass of Zacapa XO in good company, you’re transported to the verdant corridors of Medellín and the breathtaking highlands of Quetzaltenango. There’s unbridled joy to be found in every aspect of the heritage-inspired set, from the proud legacy of women artisans to the uplifting orchid motifs decorating the bag, glasses, and charm.
None of it would be possible without the traditions the two brands help preserve, honor, and elevate—not only in this collaboration, but in everything they make. It’s a timely reminder that true craftsmanship is always worth holding onto.
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