The best spirits often begin with curiosity.

For Gabriel Jiménez, that curiosity first centred on cocuy, the traditional agave distillate of Venezuela's Lara state. Working with one of the country's oldest native spirits gave him an appreciation for artisanal production, regional identity, and the cultural significance that a well-made spirit can carry. But it also prompted another question: how could those same values be expressed through one of Venezuela's most celebrated exports, rum?

That question eventually led to the creation of Ron Gayón, produced by Inversiones Jiménez Cordero.

Rather than viewing rum as a departure from his earlier work, Jiménez describes it as a natural evolution. His ambition was to combine respect for Venezuelan distilling traditions with a modern vision capable of introducing a new premium rum to both domestic and international audiences. From the beginning, the goal was not simply to produce another extra añejo rum, but to demonstrate what an emerging producer could contribute to one of the world's most respected rum-producing nations.

Image: Gabriel Jiménez. Source: The Rum Lab.

Building that vision proved far from straightforward.

One of the earliest challenges was navigating Venezuela's regulatory framework while simultaneously developing a spirit with its own distinctive personality. For Jiménez, creating Ron Gayón required balancing technical precision with brand identity, ensuring that the liquid itself, as well as its presentation, could compete in an increasingly crowded premium rum market.

As he has explained, the process demanded perseverance at every stage, from obtaining permits to refining the formulation and creating an image capable of standing apart internationally.

That philosophy continues to shape the company today.

Jiménez sees his role not simply as producing rum but as contributing to the broader evolution of Venezuelan spirits by combining innovation with respect for tradition. Maintaining rigorous production standards while introducing thoughtfully crafted products, he believes, helps strengthen the international reputation of Venezuelan rum and demonstrates the potential of a new generation of producers.

The result is Ron Gayón.

Presented as an extra añejo Venezuelan rum, the brand reflects the company's emphasis on balance rather than excess. At the 2026 London Spirits Competition, Ron Gayón was awarded a Silver Medal with 88 points, recognition from an international panel of buyers, bartenders, and spirits professionals who evaluate entries for quality, value, and packaging.

The judges described a rum that combines structure with elegance. Dominant aromas of vanilla and caramel are complemented by layers of dried fruit, warming spice, and subtle leather, leading to a balanced palate with a persistent finish. Those tasting notes reflect a style that prioritises integration and complexity over simple sweetness, qualities increasingly sought by both consumers and hospitality professionals.

Image: 2026 London Spirits Competition Winner - Gayon Rum.

The recognition carries particular significance for a relatively young producer.

International competitions provide emerging brands with an opportunity to benchmark their products against established names from around the world. For Ron Gayón, earning a medal at the London Spirits Competition demonstrates that the company's commitment to quality is already resonating beyond its home market.

Yet Jiménez speaks as much about the future as the present.

His ambition is not limited to building a successful rum brand. He hopes to contribute to a broader appreciation of Venezuelan craftsmanship and to demonstrate that innovation can strengthen, rather than replace, tradition. Having begun his journey with cocuy, a spirit deeply connected to regional culture, he continues to view authenticity as the foundation of every new project.

That perspective gives Ron Gayón a distinctive identity.

Rather than relying solely on heritage or solely on innovation, the brand occupies the space where the two meet. It acknowledges the traditions that shaped Venezuelan distilling while embracing the discipline and consistency required to compete in international premium spirits markets.

In many respects, Inversiones Jiménez Cordero represents a wider movement taking place across Latin America.

A new generation of independent producers is building brands that celebrate local identity without being constrained by it. They are looking beyond domestic markets, entering international competitions, and demonstrating that carefully crafted spirits can earn recognition on merit while remaining true to their origins.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-67]]

For Gabriel Jiménez, that journey began with cocuy.

Today, it continues with Ron Gayón, a Venezuelan rum created with the same respect for craftsmanship, the same commitment to quality, and the same belief that the world's next great spirits stories will be written by producers willing to honour tradition while creating something entirely their own.

Header Image: Gabriel Jiménez. Source: The Rum Lab.

Also Read:
PaNico Parakeet: An Italian Gin That Rewrites the Rules
Nonno Turi: Reimagining Sicily Through the Power of Etna
HEDONYA: How BBG Spirits Is Reimagining Gin for a New Generation