Malteco Triple 1

Malteco Triple 1 is an 11 Year Old Panamanian ron from Bodegas de America, the house behind the Malteco label. Column distilled and matured in ex-bourbon oak, it is bottled at an overproof 55.5%, yet it belongs to the soft, sweeter Spanish style and drinks far gentler than its strength would suggest.

Panama's mellow tradition meets a richer, sweeter delivery here: vanilla, apricot, fruity notes and a touch of alcohol on the nose, then vanilla, an intense, roasted, caramel palate, closing concentrated on vanilla, dark chocolate and barrel. The flavours run to caramel, chocolate, rum raisin and honeyed sweetness, with the high proof adding punch rather than harshness, surprisingly round and easy to drink for 55.5%. There is clearly some sweetness in play rather than bone dry austerity, but the alcohol is well integrated. A flavourful, dessert leaning overproof for drinkers who want extra strength without losing the smoothness of the style.