Santa Teresa 1796
Santa Teresa 1796: A Venezuelan Rum Steeped in Tradition and Sophistication
When we think of Santa Teresa 1796, a few thoughts come to mind. Just like a Krug Grand
Cuvee is to Champagne, Santa Teresa 1796 is to Rum. For a few key reasons. One being the
generational craftsmanship that comes with the process of producing this rum. Santa Teresa
has been perfecting the craft of making rum for well over 2 centuries, it is also Venezuela’s
oldest rum producing estate. To put an actual number to that, Hacienda Santa Teresa has been
producing rum for 225 years. 1796 was released in 1996 to celebrate its 200th year.
Okay, okay, you may still be wondering ( even though that paragraph I just typed alone should
be well worth proving why this is an incredible rum) why is this rum being compared to one of
the best champagnes in the world? Aside from age & origin, cause damn what a flex. This rum
is made using the Solera Method. The Solera Method entails blending, in this case rum, but this is a method used in an array of liquor and liqueur practices, of different ages. Some rums are over 35+ years of age. Each year a portion is drawn from the oldest barrel, and replenished with a slightly younger rum in a series of cascading barrels.
This is a method that is used only between a few rum producers, and Hacienda Santa Teresa
being one of the oldest rum producers in the world, specifically the oldest in Venezuela, creates
a PERFECTED rum that is, seriously, untouchable to any other in taste and craftsmanship.
It’s smooth, it reflects years of aging well also navigating the trials and errors of rum distillation.
Okay lets not get too cheeky, let me tell you about the origin of Hacienda Santa Teresa.
Founded in 1796, Hacienda Santa Teresa began as a colonial sugarcane plantation. It wasn’t
until the late 19th century that the production of rum became central to the estate’s identity,
spearheaded by the Vollmer family, German immigrants who still own and operate the business
to this day.
Over the centuries, the hacienda has survived wars, economic upheavals, and political
changes—always with a commitment to quality and community. It has evolved into a symbol of
Venezuelan resilience and excellence.
The hacienda’s location in the Aragua Valley is no accident. The valley’s tropical climate, fertile
soils, and pure spring water create the perfect conditions for cultivating high-quality
sugarcane—the foundation of great rum.
In fact, this terroir is so integral to the identity of Santa Teresa rums that the estate controls the
entire process from field to bottle. This vertical integration ensures not only quality but also
traceability and sustainability.
At Hacienda Santa Teresa, rum is made using a meticulous process that blends centuries-old
techniques with modern technology. The estate still employs open fermentation tanks,
traditional pot stills, and the solera aging system—a method rarely used in rum production, and
a key to Santa Teresa 1796’s complexity.
Everything is done on-site: cultivation, distillation, aging, blending, bottling. This creates a level
of artisanal control few producers in the world can match. This isn’t just a “distillery” this is a
beacon of Venezuelan heritage, Where luxury is met not only in taste but heritage and cultural
representation is prioritized from the foundation to the bottle.
Another amazing characteristic of Hacienda Teresa is their social mission.
Project Alcatraz.
Started in 2003, this program offers rehabilitation, education, and employment to former gang
members. Through the discipline of rugby, along with counseling, vocational training, and
inclusion in the workforce, the program has transformed hundreds of lives—and dramatically
reduced violence in the surrounding areas.
Santa Teresa believes in restoring people the same way they restore rum—through time,
structure, and care. A philosophy that is very much so instilled into the very core of Santa
Teresa.
Now for my favorite part, lets go over the tasting notes.
Santa Teresa 1796 is rich, DRY rum. I do not mean to emphasize the dry to make it seem tannic
or “wine dry” but more so in comparison to our first Rum Pick Of The Month, El Dorado 15 Year
Demerara Rum. This is rich but not dem rich. The body is significantly lighter compared to any
demerara rum. The dryness definitely reminds me of a sherry, it does not take the air out of you
but it definitely hits you with a nice tingly sensation in the back of your throat.
An interesting note I jotted down for this, that I feel like a few of you will really relate to, aside
from toffee & dark chocolate, I get the most familiar and sentimental feeling when drinking this
because I can taste fruit cake. Yes, bare with me, the fruit cake your grandma used to send you,
that you probably never enjoyed as a child but then got a little older and realized hey, this isn’t
actually bad. Or maybe I am crazy and you’re completely distrusting my palate. Stay with me
here, I am tasting vanilla, raisins, and dried fruit. It is so absolutely warming. It seriously reminds
me of Christmas, yes there’s that touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, and oak.
We get a little bit of leather which does remind me of the intense aging process that goes into
building this rum, and then our molasses comes in to finish our sip.
On the nose, expect aromas of toffee, dark chocolate, dried fruits, and a hint of oak. There’s
also an underlying spice—think cinnamon and nutmeg—that hints at the rum’s warmth.
On the palate, it’s remarkably smooth and balanced, with layers of caramel, roasted nuts, and
leather, punctuated by a slight tannic dryness. The finish is long and warming, with lingering
notes of spice and molasses.
Now, I do frown upon putting fantastic, stand alone liquors in a cocktail, however, you should feel free to enjoy to your preference (that said, hot toddy or Christmas style Pina Colada is a good start!)
Final Thoughts
Santa Teresa 1796 is more than just a rum—it’s a testament to the art of aging, Venezuelan
heritage, and the idea that luxury can come with integrity. Whether you’re building a refined
home bar or looking for a meaningful gift for a spirits lover, Santa Teresa 1796 delivers an
experience that’s as rich in flavor as it is in story.