Ron Zacapa Reserva Limitada 2019

Ron Zacapa Reserva Limitada 2019 is a vintage dated release from Guatemala's best known house, the cane-honey exception to the molasses rule, made from concentrated fresh cane juice and solera-aged in mixed casks at highland altitude. The solera build means the blend leans young while carrying a thread of older rum, and at 45% this release brings a little more strength and fruit and pepper interest than the standard line.

The nose carries toffee, a light smoke, wood and tropical fruit, the palate brings fruit, dark chocolate, raisin and a caramelised note, and the finish runs to honey, a warming burn, wood and a toasted edge. The fruity start gives way to a peppery mid palate, lifting the familiar honeyed Zacapa character without losing its smoothness. The sweetness is part of the house design, handled honestly, making this a relaxed evening sipper neat or over ice and a natural step for drinkers moving just beyond the core range.