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

Mahogany amber color. Flavors are harmoniously balanced on the palate, with no one thing to overwhelm the senses at the expense of another. Subtle aromas of caramel, spice and sweet pipe tobacco on the nose with a completely subdued alcohol, hint that Ron Zacapa Centenario has fully matured to perfection. But drink you must, to experience a perfect rum. One sip and you realize you could just nurture this rum forever, satisfied in the knowledge that when you do get around to another sip, your taste buds will be delicately rewarded. All those fine aromas are fully expressed in the taste, with almond and oak added to the complexity already hinted at on the nose. Roll Ron Zacapa around on your tongue before swallowing, it is that good. The finish lingers, as sweet honey flavors hang onto your lips and tongue, and warm the throat until you try the next sip of rum luxury. Refined from start to finish.


Anecdotal Notes
One look at the Zacapa bottle – completely wrapped in woven palm leaves right up to its built-in carrying strap – and you suspect there is something special inside. Then Wow! what's inside does not disappoint. Ron Zacapa is sublime, velvet smooth, one of the most perfectly flavored and refined rums available. Ron Zacapa's secret might have something to do with the 23 years of aging in oak up in the cooler high altitude climates of Guatemala. But I think there is more to it than that. This is a true craftsman's drink, built for enthusiasts by rum experts. Silky smooth, only as sweet as fine Rum should be, with no alcohol bite, plus all the spices, vanillas, nuts, smoke, and paraffins balanced unobtrusively to deliver the consummate taste. Ron Zacapa is simply the best of so many exceptional Guatemalan rums imported to the US. RnD must make a trek to Guatemala to discover what special rums they keep to themselves!

Taster’s Opinion
Dave - Ron Zacapa is one of the finest tasting rums I have ever sampled. I was first introduced to it by a friend who, while traveling in Central America, asked a local merchant for his finest rum. Resolute, the merchant recommended Ron Zacapa. And I am reassured by the his wisdom every time I sip Ron Zacapa. On any scale; whether you rate a rum by its price-per-age, smoothness, balanced flavors, attractiveness of packaging, etc., Ron Zacapa measures up. My advice: buy some, and when you feel the need to treat yourself, or finish a rum tasting experience by saving the best for last, reach for Ron Zacapa. Serve it neat or maybe with chocolate; Ron Zacapa Centenario stand alone in delighting your senses.

Update 1/2008:  (Dave) It has become increasingly difficult to find Zacapa Centenario 23 Años in the original palm leaf wrapped bottle.  The new packaging with a palm leaf belt is also shown in the sidebar. The black and white of it is: regardless of which bottle you possess, consider yourself fortunate to be sipping on of the world’s finest rums.

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

Most recently reviewed by: Dave in November, 2006 at RnD's South tasting room in USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.