Rones del Caribe C.A. Ron Roble Viejo Ultra Anejo (Zafra) 2003

Ron Roble Viejo is a Venezuelan house style built around the smooth, dessert-leaning character that the country's column-still molasses rums are known for. This Ultra Anejo carries a Zafra harvest designation from 2003 and twelve years of age behind it. Matured in ex-bourbon oak, it should lean into the vanilla, honey, caramel and dried-fruit register typical of aged Venezuelan rum, soft and approachable at 40%. Venezuelan rons in this mould are often gently rounded rather than sharp, so expect an easy, mellow pour. Sweetness is not stated on the label, which is common across the Spanish style, so treat it as a smooth sipper rather than a dry one.