El Ron del Artesano Amontillado Cask Finish 2012

El Ron del Artesano's Amontillado finish is a Panama rum that leans into its cask rather than any dosage. Distilled in 2012 from molasses on a column still, the soft Panamanian base, typically sourced from the dominant Varela Hermanos distillery, has been finished in Amontillado sherry casks and bottled at a natural cask strength of 48.4%. It is declared unsweetened, so the character is all spirit and wood.

The sherry influence is clear and well integrated, taking the usual mellow Panama profile somewhere drier and more savoury. The nose is fruity and woody with dried apricot and currants, the palate carries wood, dried fruit, spice and more apricot, and the finish turns nutty with chocolate and a fruity edge. Tasters single out the visible cask impact and the dried apricot signature, with the strength nicely contained. This is a Panama for drinkers who want the sherry nuttiness and dryness rather than soft vanilla sweetness.