Ron Zacapa 23 Sistema Solera Rum

This rum has a lot of whiskey characteristics and I love it for that. There is a bunch of richness mixed with Earth and smoke that brings in some rye tartness. There's a good amount of molasses too. It's a lot more interesting and palatable than Plantation 20th Anniversary. There are a few layers going on here and the net flavor really works. This is a rum to hold as an example of what good rum can be. Compared with many scotches, this is smooth and sweet but also bland. It's otherwise very good though. There is some nice hogo going on, which starts to bring out the complexity. It's rich with a mix of bitter and sweet. It's balanced subtlety for rum, but compared with other drinks it's kind of bland. It has woodiness to the point that it tastes a little like whiskey. It's just the right sweetness and while it isn't as complex as Plantation Trinidad, it is rich and hedonistic with a delightful finish. The nose is richer than most runs, smelling quite a bit like a sherried scotch. That must be the solera aging. The Sherry and bourbon flavors come out immediately. Bourbon lovers will appreciate this for sure. It has some of that bourbon tartness and a bit of bite too, though it is still quite smooth. The Sherry comes through, though less so. There's some of that dry Sherry flavor (though some of that is definitely the bourbon), but also some of that rich sweetness of Harvey's Bristol Cream. There's a fair amount going on here, though it largely boils down to the rum tasting a lot like bourbon - and that bourbon is a lot like Evan Williams Black with some Jim Beam Black, not really like one of the better Booker's, George Dickel Bottled In Bond, Garrison Brothers (possibly good that it doesn't taste like this), McKenna 20, or Joseph Magnus. Essentially, it tastes on the tart and light end of bourbon, though they could be because I'm drinking it right after Ron Diplomatico. There are clear rum flavors here but also strong bourbon flavors. There's a solid amount of Sherry too, but the former two flavors are much stronger. The richness is great and there is a fair amount going on and it all balances out, but ultimately this is a tad harsh and tastes a bit much like low-end (though not awful) bourbon. It tastes a bit more like an experiment in bourbon than a rum. It's very good, but a bit confused. It isn't the 19 I thought previously (unless a fresh palate changes things), but it is quite good. There's a bit of spearmint in here too that is kind of odd (though not shocking for a bourbon), but does kind of work.

Almost to smooth. I taste the butterscotch and vanilla but miss the other tasting notes. Very calm and enjoyable.

The smooth aroma of Ron Zacapa is filled with honeyed with caramel and fruitiness. It’s absolutely delicious with the Sweet and mouth-warming with hints of oak, vanilla, dried fruits and some liquorice. The finish is long as I expected from it and it’s sweet with vanilla, coffee, smoke and honey. It has the very little amount of marzipan that does fills your palate though in a surprising way. It’s such a delicious treat.