Malecon 18 Years – Reserva Imperial

Malecon is a Panamanian label sourced from the country's large bulk rum supply, made from molasses on a column still and matured in ex-bourbon wood. Panama's house character is soft and mellow, and this Reserva Imperial carries an eighteen year age statement at an easy 40%, aimed squarely at relaxed, approachable sipping.

The nose offers vanilla, wood, orchard fruit and caramel, the palate is sweet with vanilla, barrel notes and fruit, and the finish is woody and soft with brown sugar and a little spice. It drinks round and pleasant in the Panamanian manner, gentle and undemanding, the kind of bottle for a quiet glass rather than close analysis. The years in wood lend smoothness more than power, so it is honest to call this an easygoing daily style sipper, agreeable neat and forgiving for anyone easing into older Spanish-style rons.