The Ron Zacapa 23 Anos has been a big staff favorite from the moment we tasted it. Rich, dense, and complex. Crafted in Guatemala, Zacapa Rum is a work of art, and an expression of patience, richness, quality and master blending. Aged to perfection in the highlands of Quetzaltenango, Zacapa Rum develops its complex flavour and character 2,300m above sea level in the mystical House Above the Clouds. While it is commonly thought to be a 23 year old, it is actually a blend of Rums ranging from 6 years old to 23 years old.

Distillery's Notes: "Nose: A soft start which develops complexity in the glass; sweet aromas of caramel, vanilla, cacao and butterscotch, combining with layers of flavour indicative of the different barrels in the solera process; sherried notes of caramelised, roasted brazil nuts and toasted hazelnut, and the characteristic rounded toffeed banana and dried pineapple of ex-American whiskey casks.

Palate: Wonderfully complex, generous and full-bodied, with a sweet honeyed viscosity atypical of an aged spirit; a great depth of raisined fruit and apricot preserves, building to an intense heart of savoury oak, nutmeg, leather and tobacco with notes of coffee and delicately sweet vanilla, balanced with a spicy touch of cinnamon and ginger on the pleasantly astringent finish; truly a rum for the discerning palate."

Professional Review: "A beautiful shade of toffee in color, the rum presents itself as amply aged, and the nose bears that out. Notes of old wine, coffee, roasted nuts, and milk chocolate all make an appearance, giving this rum a beautiful complexion before you ever take that first sip. The body shines just as brightly, though, offering a mix of fruity sherry notes driven by some of the barrel aging, deeply roasted and spiced nuts, all backed up with the essence of a solid cafe mocha. The body is unctuous but not gooey, the finish lengthy and complex but not overwhelming. Everything there is to like about rum can be found in Zacapa 23. Or should I see, everything there is to like about rum can still be found here.

All told, it remains an essential bottling."

A, Drinkhacker.com

Copper color. Sweet, peppery spice and dried tropical fruit aromas. A round, supple entry leads to a glycerous, slightly sweet medium-full body of brown sugar, dried cherries, guava, pineapple, cinnamon, and caramelized roasted nuts. Finishes with a sweet, light molasses and ashy mineral fade. A nice, supple, and surprising sweet aged rum. Should mix brilliantly, or enjoy as an after-dinner sipper.

International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

RATING: 95 points (Exceptional)