Las Cabras Zafra Master Reserve 21

Zafra carries a generous 21 year age statement from Panama, the Spanish style home of light, column distilled molasses rum where the barrel and a soft touch shape the glass. Las Cabras bottles it at an approachable 40 percent, matured in ex bourbon wood, and Panama's reputation as a source of smooth, mellow rum runs right through it.

Long ageing builds a rounded, vanilla forward profile. The nose is woody with caramel, vanilla and honey, the palate stays sweet with caramel, vanilla and toffee, and the finish brings barrel, cocoa and more vanilla. It drinks smooth and easy with a touch more oak and finish than younger Panamanians, while keeping the gentle sweetness the style is known for. A comfortable after dinner sipper for those who enjoy softer, sweeter rum, it offers comfort and polish rather than sharp complexity, and is honest enough to wear its sweetness openly.