Ron Dos Mares Distillery Hacienda San Isidro Companero Vintage 2002

Bottled under Ron Dos Mares' Companero label, this is a Panamanian rum from Distillery Hacienda San Isidro, distilled in 2002 and aged 22 years. It is a classic Spanish-style ron, made on a column still from molasses for a light, clean spirit that leans on long oak ageing rather than additives for its depth.

Maturation was in ex-bourbon, which suits the gentle base and gives roasted wood, dried fruit and caramel on the nose. The palate stays fresh and light with a soft sweetness and a woody backbone, and the finish rounds out with orange and more oak. It is mellow and approachable in the typical Panamanian manner rather than bold, with the two decades of ageing showing in its colour and dried-fruit character. At 46.5% it carries a touch more presence than a standard 40% bottling, an easygoing aged ron for relaxed sipping.