Ron Zacapa LA PASION (The Passion Cask)

Ron Zacapa La Pasion is a special release from Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala, built on the brand's solera blend and given extra time in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. Zacapa is the cane honey exception in the style, made from miel de cana and aged at altitude, and the solera number on the range refers to the oldest component rather than an age, so this is a solera blend carrying a trace of older rum.

The PX cask leaves a clear mark, bringing raisin, charred wood, caramel and chocolate on the nose, a palate of spice, burnt sugar and dark fruit, and a finish that turns fruity and woody with a faint smoky, bacon like edge. It reads as rich and sweet leaning, and that sweetness is part of the house signature handled honestly rather than hidden. Slightly drier and more savoury than the standard 23, it makes a warming, sweet leaning sipper at 40%, comfortable alongside a cigar.