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

Botran Solera 1893 reveals a medium dark amber color due its aging in oak.  On the nose: Botran Solera offers a delicate caramel aroma, coupled with golden raisin, a hint of dried apricot tart-fruit, and a slight oaken vanilla foundation, leaving traces of almond nutmeg aromas till the end. Perfectly smooth to sniff with moderate complexity and no offensive alcohol aromas.  The initial taste is complex as you would expect of a rum matured in the rare Solera method, whereby rums of different vintages are periodically and sequentially blended, so that younger rums are blended with progressively older ones until a certain age and flavor is achieved. Only then is the rum ready for bottling. The taste is honeysuckle sweet and medium to full bodied, with no offensive alcohols to restrict your tongue as it awakens to the smooth expansion of flavors consistent with the aromas.  Botran Solera 1893 has a body of medium viscosity, substantial but light, and altogether drinkable. The finish is just off-dry, very long with savory sweet flavor and the slightest spicy edge adding up to a lip smacking anticipation of another sip.

Anecdotal Notes
Ron Botran is presented in different packages depending upon you region of purchase. Dave’s bottle, bought on Antigua, is wrapped in a red velour sack with “Botran” and “Solera 1893” embroidery in a gold-color, script-style font, set off nicely with gold drawstrings and tassel ends. Inside is a green wrinkle-finish bottle with screw cap. The label text is in Spanish. The packaging is elegant enough, but frankly, is exceeded by the excellent rum inside. And RnD supports those priorities.

Roger’s bottle, purchased in Panama City, Panama, came in a protective box and in a very nice tear drop flat shaped heavy weight decanter. It has stylish and elegant label in brown and gold and has a wide gold cork topper perfectly matching the bottle's style. It is believed that this is their new packaging. It advertises perfectly that what is inside is something special.

Roger was introduced to this rum in the Bristol Hotel Bar in Panama City, Panama. They displayed 84 rums to imbibe and offered him anything he wanted on the house. Of course he chose Botran Solera 1893 rum to try along with many other of the world’s finest and rarest rums.

Taster’s Opinion
Dave – Oooh, this Botran Is a nice rum. Sure, its relatively easy to find a rum that sniffs this smooth and tastes this good, if you know where to look. What’s difficult is finding an equally exceptional rum that’s as easy on the wallet as Botron Solera 1893.
Roger – Botran Solera 1893 is a wonderful rum that will meet your expectations of a fine rum in every way. It's reasonably priced and a superior value for its quality. You can be rest assured this rum will be a good addition to your collection. It is meant to be enjoyed neat or possibly on the rocks. I wouldn’t recommend it for cocktails unless the drink is mostly rum as you don't want to mask its flavors and even then I'd choose something else. It will pair nicely with a fine cigar and a warm fire on a cool evening if you are so inclined.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):
Dave - 9 Flasks

Roger - 9 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by:
Dave, September, 2007 at RnD's North tasting Room, USA
Roger September, 2007 in the Bristol Hotel Bar in Panama City, Panama

*750ml unless otherwise stated.