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

Zafra Master Reserve rum delivers a handsome blend of copper and medium-amber color.  Sumptuous aromas of warm caramel, Argentine-style dulce de leche, light buttery milk chocolate, new-and-old-oaky vanilla, brown sugar, mild spices (clove and cinnamon), light cane scents (refined not earthy), leather, and sweet tobacco.  The aromas are substantial, almost heavy, but are given light transport from smooth, almost floral clover-like alcohol that no doubt benefits from prolonged contact with charred barrel wood.  Initial taste delights with mild caramel and light chocolate, again the wonderfully creamy dulce de leche flavor permeates the palate like a tide flowing from front to back of the tongue.  A perfect medium weight body lingers for awhile before the delicate, long finish, revealing greater depth mid-palate and into the throat a few seconds after swallowing.  As much as any rum RnD has tasted, Zafra Master Reserve shows excellent, consistent character and flavor throughout the entire savory experience.

Anecdotal Notes
Dave – Zafra’s back-of-bottle label says a lot about the reverence Master Blender Mr. Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez has for nature’s bounty, human toil over cultivated earth, and craftsmanship.  To quote: “In Spanish, ZAFRA refers to the act of harvesting sugarcane: it is the moment in time when nature rewards man for months of dedicated and arduous labor.  After harvest, our skilled Master Blender transforms the gathered cane into rum …”  He should know. 

Prior to Zafra, Don Pancho was instrumental in the production of fine rums from Havana Club in Cuba as well as Abuelo in Panama. He’d been accumulating fine Panamanian rum for decades, withholding it until sufficiently mature and perfect.  Patience is a virtue. Zafra Master Reserve was worth the wait.

Roger – I love this rum!  It’s a dream in your mouth.  After meeting the master blender, Mr. Francisco  “Pancho" Fernandez, I came to understand his passion for his privately held stash of rum that he’s guarded for the past 30 years. Think about it; how many individuals have the patience and vision to collect and age thousands of barrels of rum so that when the rum is ready in say, 20 - 30 years, they can sell them.  He takes great pride in the outstanding final product, which is priced exceptionally well in my opinion.  When it’s available in your area buy several bottles, as you’ll want to savor it for years to come.

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

Most recently reviewed by: Dave and Roger, May 2010 in Miami, at Rum Renaissance Festival, where the rum earned a well deserved Gold Medal.

http://www.rumrenaissance.com/Competition.html

*750ml unless otherwise stated.