Costa Rican Rum Conquers France And Returns To Its Country Of Origin: Nicoya Officially Launches In Costa Rica

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After achieving a prominent presence in France, in venues such as Galeries Lafayette, one of the most iconic department stores in the European country, Ron Pura Vida, made from Guanacaste cane, is launched in Costa Rica under the name Nicoya.

The distillate, created by French company Les Bienheureux, is the result of a partnership with a sugar mill in Guanacaste.

Alexandre Sirech, co-founder and president of Les Bienheureux, visited Costa Rica and explained that the country was chosen to produce this liquor after evaluating more than twenty tropical destinations.

“Costa Rica won because of the quality of its cane, its climate, and its potential to create a rum with its own identity,” said the businessman.

The raw material comes from a family farm with more than 12,000 hectares of cultivated land, which guarantees traceability and 100% Costa Rican origin.

Although bottling is done in France for administrative reasons, all rum production remains in Costa Rica.

Now, under the name Nicoya, the rum is officially returning to the Costa Rican market, distributed by Grupo Pampa.

The launch marks a milestone: Costa Rica now has an internationally recognized premium rum produced locally.

Les Bienheureux, a leader in premium spirits in Europe, presented Nicoya as a product that combines French technique and Costa Rican authenticity.

“The Nicoya project was born from the desire to create a free rum, with creative independence and respect for its origins,” said Sirech.

The name pays tribute to the Nicoya Peninsula, a symbol of longevity, balance, and connection to the land.

The rum is made from cane grown, distilled, and aged in Guanacaste, under a single-estate model.

Its profile combines cane juice rum, molasses, and honey, bringing balance, complexity, and elegance to the flavor.

The range arrives in the country in two versions: Nicoya Añejo, aged in bourbon barrels, and Nicoya XA (Extra Añejo), which is more complex and deeper.

The product will be distributed in bars, restaurants, IMAS duty-free shops, e-commerce, and supermarkets.

Since its launch in Europe, Nicoya has been well received. In 2025, it sold more than 100,000 bottles in more than ten countries.

“Costa Rican rum has the potential to compete with the world's major brands,” said Sirech.

Master rum maker Olivier Dumont pointed out that the aging process combines bourbon and cognac barrels, giving it an elegant and distinctive touch.

“We wanted a balanced, easy-to-drink rum that reflects the terroir of Guanacaste and French tradition,” explained Dumont.

The launch in Costa Rica precedes its arrival on the US market in March 2026.

With Nicoya, Costa Rica consolidates its presence on the international map of premium spirits and elevates its identity as a producer of origin.

KEY FACTS

Origin: Produced in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, with cane grown, distilled, and aged on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Process: Single-estate model; distilled in Costa Rica and bottled in France.

. Initial varieties:

• Nicoya Añejo: aged in bourbon barrels, ideal for cocktails.
• Nicoya XA (Extra Añejo): more complex, recommended for sipping neat.
• Profile: Blend of cane juice rum, molasses, and honey; balanced, elegant flavor with notes of vanilla and wood.

The post Costa Rican Rum Conquers France and Returns to Its Country of Origin: Nicoya Officially Launches In Costa Rica appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

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