Malteco 10 Years – Añejo Suave

Malteco 10 Years Anejo Suave is a Spanish-style rum from Panama, made on a column still from molasses in the smooth, approachable Latin idiom. The new-make off a column is light and clean by design, so the character here comes from the cask and from rounding rather than from heavy spirit, and the result lives up to the suave on the label.

The copy will be honest about the sweetness: this is a sweetened rum and drinks soft and gentle. Expect vanilla, caramel and light fruit on the nose, a sweet, roasted palate of vanilla and caramel, and a finish of brown sugar and soft vanilla. At 40% it is mild and forgiving, with strong value for money but little in the way of depth or a big finish. This is an easy everyday rum or a relaxed mixer for drinkers who like Zacapa-style sweetness in a lighter, cheaper form, rather than a spirit for focused neat study.