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

Centenario Fundacion XX Años demonstrates a beautiful copper shade of amber, deep and clear as a jewel.
Aroma: Delicately sweet up front with slightly oaken caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch, then just a suggestion of fruit, possibly apple-cinnamon and pear. A tiny hint of black licorice at the end reveals a fairly complex rum. As you would expect of a commemorative edition rum, there is absolutely no offensive alcohol bite on the nose.  The body, more concentrated than complex, is wonderfully deep, revealing flavors of caramel and butterscotch, a consistency that is almost Madeira like, with a tasteful bit of spice akin to nutmeg and cinnamon, and a tinge of dried plum and citrus fruit.  Centenario Fundacion XX Años finishes lip-smackingly long and sweet, shows a tiny lingering smokiness, with enough warmth – more like an ember – to keep things interesting.

Anecdotal Notes
Centenario’s Fundacion XX Años commemorates the distiller’s expertise in making fine rum for over 20 years. Befitting such heritage, this is perhaps the most attractively packaged rum in RnD’s possession. Its bottle is completely wrapped in leather; the two largest pieces being cross-stitched together along the sides of the bottle like a sultry bodice, a third round piece covers the bottom, and the top is covered in another two pieces of stitched leather. Finally, the leather is embossed with a pair of simple crests, name and brand, artfully expressing the craftsmanship of distillation and noble aging that makes Centenario Fundacion XX Años so special.

Tasters Opinion
Dave - Centenario Fundacion XX Años is an absolute joy to sip neat. Surprise some friends whom you want to convert to fans of fine rum. Fundacion XX Años welcomes the newcomer as well as the seasoned sipper to the maker’s craft.

Roger - Ron Centenario Fundacion XX Años is truly a national treasure of Costa Rica. Rum connoisseurs will find great delight with this nectar in their glass. Made to be enjoyed neat or possibly on the rocks, this rum shouldn’t be demoted to cocktails or rum drinks. I first tasted this rum while visiting the Bistrol Hotel in Panama City, Panama this summer. It was one of the finer rums they offered me from a list of 84 rums (including Bacardi Millennium). For the price you can’t find many better for the money.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave - 9 Flasks; Roger - 9.5 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Roger in September, 2007 in Panama and Dave in November, 2007 in RnD’s South Tasting Room , USA. .

*750ml unless otherwise stated.