Alcoholes Del Istmo Plantation One-Time Limited Edition 2008

This Alcoholes Del Istmo distillate is a one-time Plantation release bottled by Maison Ferrand, drawn from Panama with a 2008 vintage and a thirteen year age. Maison Ferrand usually doses its rums openly, but this expression is certified unsweetened, which lets the Panamanian base show plainly. Made from molasses on a column still and aged in ex-bourbon casks, it offers the country's soft, mellow character at a slightly firmer 45.7%.

The nose carries vanilla, caramel, wood and tropical fruit, the palate brings vanilla, oak, caramel and young wood, and the finish is spicy and nutty with a dry, sweet edge. With no added sugar it reads cleaner and a touch drier than the soft 40% Panama norm, light on fruit and gentle on oak. It drinks easy and good value, well suited to relaxed evenings and to newcomers exploring unsweetened, drier Spanish-style rums without stepping into heavy or funky territory.