Malecon Seleccion Esplendida 1982

Malecon Seleccion Esplendida 1982 is a 31 Year Old Panamanian ron from the 1982 vintage, bottled under the Malecon label. Panama's dominant producer Varela Hermanos is a major bulk source for independent bottlers, and Malecon belongs to that soft, vanilla led Panamanian tradition, here column distilled and aged in ex-bourbon oak to a considerable 31 years.

Long tropical influence and ex-bourbon wood give a classic mellow profile: vanilla, oak, cinnamon and roasted nuts on the nose, then oak, vanilla, cinnamon and almond on the palate, closing on barrel, spice, a nutty edge and gentle sweetness. There is a caramel, honey, leather and tobacco character with very fine woodiness, light and balanced enough to suit a newcomer despite the age. The main caveat drinkers note is a shorter, gentler finish than the rich nose promises, but as an easy, refined Panamanian sipper at 40% it remains a pleasure.