Objective Notes

Extremely Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth). 

Unmistakably Abuelo in character, only smoother, richer, milder.  It is Panamanian throughout; exquisite, heavy bodied, sweet, endowed with deep flavor.  Centuria is distilled from molasses, aged in white oak barrels that formerly held Jack Daniels Kentucky whiskey, then bended in a textbook solera method, and include some of Varela Hermanos’ oldest stocks.  The dark walnut brown color is testament to the aging process.

Close your eyes and sniff, you can almost smell the hand labor that went into distilling, aging, and blending this heady rum.  Intoxicatingly heavy, dense, sweet aromas of oak-soaked aged rum, vanilla and caramel, balanced with molasses leather, tobacco, nuts and candied fruit, then finally lesser scents of spice and smoke emerge.  The initial taste is very bit as delectable and complex as suggested by the aromas, with just enough of Abuelo’s typical edge to pique your interest.  Unquestionably full bodied, Centuria coats your tongue with sweet flavor ending with an extremely smooth, firm and dry texture that lingers with caramel, while a bit of leather add substance to the finish.

Anecdotal Notes

Dave – Abuelo Centuria is the result of aging and blending rums in a Solera system, some up to 30 years old.  It’s the brainchild of Ricardo Henriquez, Varela Hermanos’ new Distiller and Master Blender. Mr. Henriquez apprenticed at Bacardi.  Although humble, Ricardo is anxious to direct his of creative energy toward

remodeling the Varela Hermanos’ distillery as well as overhauling it’s products.  Like Abuelo 12 introduced in 2010, and now Centuria in 2011, his latest rums are seeking the high end of the luxury rum market.  During a private dinner with him in Panama, I was intrigued by Henriquez’ plans to remodel the estate, but more impressed with his artistic design insight and attention to detail.  Notable artists express themselves in various mediums.  Ricardo Henriquez will be appreciated for his rum.

Ron Abuela Centuria was created to honor the 100th anniversary of Varela Hermanos’ distillery, founded in 1908.  Proving that perfection cannot be rushed, the rum was ready but the packaging took a few more years.  The box alone is a piece of functional art.  Each Centuria bottle is cradled inside a box constructed of wood sanded so fine that you enjoy feeling its smooth finish.  The box is covered in a deep chocolate-brown colored textured resin.  It’s not paper – gouging the cover leaves a small mark but no white undercoat.  Centuria’s packaging is meant to impress, display, and endure.  It’s a worthy temple for the wonderful aged spirit it protects.

Inside the box, the heavy glass bottle with its 1-inch thick base is a power statement.  Even the crest on the bottle’s shoulder is special, made of brass and shaped like a coin, proudly stamped with the

word “Varela” and a rendering of the entrance to the estate. Heavy foil seals over a wood cap and natural cork stopper, completing Centuria’s impressive packaging. 

Taster’s Opinion

Dave –   Tasting Abuelo Centuria right now, I cannot put it down, neither literally nor figuratively.  Sure at $125, Centuria is priced at the upper end of the rum pyramid.   Certainly determine for yourself if it’s worth the price, but understand that just a few hundred bottles are destined to enter the United States.  At many of life’s decision points, success or failure is made by knowing when your ship has come in. 

As for me; I bought two.

Roger – Ron Abuelo Centuria Reserva de la Familia is a delight to enjoy. It’s aromatic, flavorful, complex, and smooth. Enjoyed neat or on the rocks is the only way it should be discovered. The name Centuria is the latin word for one hundred so what better name to give the rum crafted to celebrate the 100th anniversary rum tradition at Varela Hermanos. Introduced in the US at the 2011 Miami Rum Renaissance  Festival, Abuelo Centuria was a very big hit and one of the best surprises of the festival. A Crown Jewel in any rum collection so if you are considering obtaining a bottle do so quickly as there are only going to be about 200 cases shipped to the US. ¡Salud!

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave – 10 Flasks; Roger – 10 Flasks.

Most recently tasted by:  Dave, April 2011 at Varela Hermanos Distillery in Pese, Panama and at Rum Renaissance Festival, Miami; and Roger, May 2011 at RnD’s North Tasting Room, USA.

*750ml unless otherwise specified.