Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
In short, I used a Vinturi Spirit Aerator, and used that to pour the rum into one of the Neat Whiskey Glasses (I don't have a specific rum glass... wouldn't mind some recommendations).
A very darkly roasted mahogany brown color strikes the eye. As always, the color of certain spirits can be altered, since the usage of sugar caramel is quite common. However, the viscosity and the legs will always provide an indication of certain compounds and qualities of the spirit. Given the oily signature of this sipping rum, the pairings for me are rather obvious. You could easily drink this velvety spirit with an equally luscious dessert: given it’s not a sweet overkill for you. Facundo offers a range of luxurious, high-end sipping rums that stand tall above many other brands. It’s a brand that appeals to those who have a palate for extra-aged spirits that tell a story. Unlike many other spirits that are limited to one geographic location, rum can be produced in many places across the world. It’s a spirit made from sugarcane and has been made and sold in countries ranging from Nicaragua to The Philippines, Barbados, and India. Sugarcane comes in plenty of different varieties and each type and the region it’s grown in plays a big role in the overall taste and aroma of the rum. Ron Zacapa is cleverly marketed by Diageo as “Sistema Solera” which whilst a perfectly legitimate method of producing rum, immediately leads many to believe they are buying a rum that is 23 years old. This is something which is often frowned upon by rum connoisseur’s and reviewers. Personally, I have never bought a rum based solely on the age of the rum. I have of course bought an older expression, if for instance it is on sale and is less than the lesser aged rum but it is not something which I judge rum’s upon. There are rum’s in my cabinet which I rate very highly and I do not actually know how “aged” they are. The “Sistema Solera” method is described on the cardboard sleeve as….A sip of Appleton Estate’s 50 Year offers an explosion of taste on the palate with prominent notes of maple sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, honey, and a dash of licorice. Its finish is almost endless; a rich and luxurious sip that keeps on going.
The brand’s Navy Yard rum comes in at 55% ABV, or 110 proof. While higher than standard rum, its relatively low ABV (when compared to Navy strength rums) means the bottle has a gentle infusion of oak without overpowering the rich flavors of the spirit. It’s distilled in Massachusetts, United States, on a salty marsh near the ocean, which gives a slightly briny edge to the spirit. Expect notes of apricot, cinnamon, fig, and tobacco as you enjoy this drink. If you prefer to read about rum before opening the bottle, jump to our sections below to learn more about rum. You can find out more about the terminology you should know about rum and our selection process for drawing up the best rum brands of the year at the end of this article. 1. Ron Zacapa Facundo’s Paraiso is arguably the brand’s best: Paraiso is Latin for “paradise” and this bottle doesn’t fall short of the title. It’s the most expensive in the brand’s rum collection and has the most depth. Havana Club is a famous brand and it’s popular for a reason: it’s a great all-rounder that has spirits for every occasion. The Arechabala family started their rum-making business in 1878 and registered the Havana Club name in Cuba in 1934. It’s an authentic brand that takes the title of “most awarded Cuban rum” with 27 medals in the last few years. Most rum is distilled from molasses, with yeast feasting on those darker caramelized sugars. Ron Zacapa is distilled from something called “virgin sugar cane honey,” or “virgin honey,” the syrup that comes from the first pressing of the cane plant, with about 72 percent sugar content, compared to molasses’ approximate 50 percent. Combine that with the gentler aging process (see “Star Wars” below), and you start to see where the aspirational finesse of the Ron Z flavor profile comes from. It has something in common with “Star Wars.”As a result of its quality and dedication to perfection, Appleton Estate rum doesn’t come cheap. The brand’s 50-Year-Old offers an unparalleled tasting experience that’s believed to be the oldest rum in the world. The dense, dark amber color of the liquid promises quality and its nose reveals honey, molasses and soft spices. In the highlands of Quetzaltenango, 2300m above sea level, lies The House Above the Clouds. This stunning location - one of the highest ageing facilities in the world - is where Zacapa Rum slowly develops its complex flavour and character over time. Here in the mountains, the cool temperature slows the ageing process, while the thinner air and lower atmospheric pressure helps intensify the infusion of flavours from the barrels. Only in this precise spot can Zacapa's exceptionally deep aroma, full colour and rich palate emerge to reach perfection. I am even beginning to think that my favorite El Dorado rums are sweetened, though it is less dominant and actually compliments the robust flavors of the Demeraran rum. The same could be said for Zaya and this one, though IMO the sweetness is considerably more forward. The Zaya and zacapa are robust enough to still be interesting, while Diplomatico Reserva and Ron Fortuna 8 yr both taste flat and boring to me. Ron Fortuna 8 yr is the worst offender yet, nauseatingly sweet and bland. Both probably were decent subtle rums before being sweetened within an inch of their lives. In eastern Guatemala, 229m above sea level, lies the town of Zacapa. Founded in 1876 as a bustling railroad stop, the resident population was soon joined by travellers from around the world, leaving a legacy that can still be seen today in local surnames. In 1976, the town reached its centenary. To celebrate this historic event, Guatemala's premier rum-producing company decided to create something special. By harnessing expert knowledge gained over many years, a unique premium spirit was born: Ron Zacapa Centenario. Chosen to inaugurate the “Rum International Hall of Fame” in the “International Rum Festival 2003” in Canada.
The sugarcane used is exclusively grown on the Appleton Estate and takes the title of the oldest sugar estate and distillery in Jamaica. The brand’s rum is perfected by Master Blender, Joy Spence, the first woman to be appointed Master Blender in the world. Sipping it like that has really changed my whole understanding of rum. I've always enjoyed Captain Morgan, but this blows them out of the universe. I'm sipping it right now and it's hard to describe, but... Our plantation is located on the volcanic plains of Retalhuleu, 350m above sea level in south-western Guatemala. Due to the fertile, acidic soil and year-round sunshine, no other place in the world is better suited to the cultivation of sugar cane. Most rums use molasses, a by-product of the sugar making process, as their base; Zacapa, however, is different. To impart a sweeter, smoother flavour, Zacapa uses only the concentrated first press of sugar cane, known as virgin sugar cane honey. This is the very point at which our rum's remarkable taste and profile begin to develop. Pour a few drops of Ron Zacapa 23 on top of your tiramisu and then enjoy a glass side by side with the Italian dolce – a heavenly treat without a doubt. The worldwide nature of this spirit made selecting the very best a challenge. We delved deep into the huge number of white, dark, and spiced rums to select the brands and bottles suitable for each and every occasion.
Best Pairings With Ron Zacapa 23
Zacapa’s raw ingredient is derived from sugar cane honey, rather than molasses, and cultivated along the Pacific coastal plains, where the humidity produces a wonderful caramelization of juices. Yes it tastes great. No it is not a genuine aged rum. The XO version is IMO less sweet and more what this rum should be, but the 23 has been sweetened to make it more appealing to the American palate. Also, this is not a 23 yr old rum, it is a Solera blend of aged rum the OLDEST of which is 23 yrs, the average age is closer to 6-8 years. It’s crisp on the nose with flavors of vanilla spices, dark chocolate, and tangy fruit. It has a long, citrus finish with more crisp, fruity notes. It’s an excellent mixing rum, perfect for a Daiquiri or a Mojito. Upon tasting, the rum is not as sweet as I was expecting. The nosing suggested it could be as sweet as XM or El Dorado. The Zacapa is actually quite dry and oaky. I find the flavour builds if you leave the rum in your mouth for a little longer allowing it to coat the palate. You then get some of the cocoa flavour and a little bit of tropical fruit. However, I’m not getting as much of the fruitier sweeter side I have found with other rums. The rum is very smooth and has very little aftertaste or alcohol burn. It is very pleasant to sip and I can see why it is many people’s choice. Diplomatico aims to support its home country through its rum production by providing sustainable jobs and keeping the health of the environment at its core. The brand uses an ecological treatment process to transform residual water into fertilizer for its sugarcane.
Great Deal 
New Comment