VARELA HERMANOS DISTILLERY
PANAMA
Varela Hermanos is a renowned distillery located in Panama, with a rich history that spans over a century.
In 1908, Don José Varela Blanco, originally from Spain, founded the distillery after moving to Panama. He initially established the Ingenio San Isidro, the first sugar mill in the region. This capitalised on the fertile lands of Pesé for sugarcane cultivation.
The area enjoys a tropical maritime microclimate created by the Caribbean Sea to the North and the Pacific to the South. Temperatures range between 25 °C–32 °C all year. The combination of tropical sun and plentiful rain helps nourish the fertile soils in which sugar cane is grown.
1936 sees the transition from sugar production to rum distillation under the guidance of Don José’s sons. The family began producing rum using sugarcane from over 1,600 hectares of their own fields. This ensured the highest-quality raw materials.
The mid-20th century marks a period of expansion and modernisation in distillery operations.
Their own brands began to be introduced. Most notable was the Ron Abuelo brand, which would become one of their flagship products, along with other varieties of rum.
More recently, continuous innovation has enabled Varela Hermanos to expand into international markets while maintaining a commitment to quality and tradition. Varela Hermanos have also embraced modern techniques and technologies.
Varela Hermanos is credited with playing a significant role in Panama’s rum industry. They’ve also contributed to the country's cultural and economic heritage.
The distillery’s products have received numerous awards and accolades, highlighting their commitment to excellence.
Varela Hermanos’ history is marked by a blend of tradition, innovation and dedication to quality. A distinguished name in the world of rum.