Saturday, February 27, 2016

The Latest Zacapa Reserva Limitada is Out

     Zacapa. one of the titans in the premium rum sector.   Often the only premium aged rum that non rum-drinkers can name.  this is due in part to the superb Diageo distribution network. Famous for being aged “above the clouds” in Guatemala, talented master blender, Lorena Vazquez and identified in the store by it's woven palm-leaf bottle adornment.   Zacapa has always been known as an excellent rum, but the ultra premium XO is an especially nice expression.   If you go to the source in Guatemala, you'll find something else: Zacapa’s limited edition blend.
     "Zacapa releases a special edition each year, for sale within Guatemala and select markets around the world (although not the United States).     And Rum Journal was lucky enough to grab a bottle on a recent trip to Guatemala City.      Zacapa’s 23-year blend has rums as old as 23 years; the 2015 Reserva Limitada, however, has a blend of rums between six and 24 years." The rums are matured in American white oak barrels that had formerly held sherry, Pedro Ximenez wine and American whiskeys.
     "The Limited has a rich, slightly dark caramel color.   It has a sweet aroma of vanilla, pepper, candied fruit and the slightest hint of citrus peel.   The flavor profile is marked by tropical fruit, molasses (although this is a sugarcane-juice rum), some vanilla and some spice.   The finish is peppery and oaky."   How is it different from the Zacapa 23 you’re used to?     It’s got a different kind of warmth, a different complexity,  but also a bit more of a raw quality.   Often rums with more aging are a little softer around the edges — this one isn’t — this one has some fire in its belly. And that’s a good thing. "