Rum Nation 10 Years 2015 2005

Panama sits in the Spanish style tradition of light, column distilled molasses rum, where the barrel and a gentle touch do most of the talking. Rum Nation, the Venice based independent founded by Fabio Rossi in 1999, bottled this 2005 distillate at an approachable 40 percent under its regional labelling rather than naming the distillery.

A column still keeps the spirit clean and soft, and ten years in ex bourbon wood builds the dessert leaning profile this style is loved for. The nose is caramel, vanilla and gentle fruit with a hint of chocolate, the palate stays sweet and rounded with honey and caramelised notes, and the finish is light and syrupy. It drinks easy and a touch sweet, the kind of bottle that suits a first step into soft Spanish style rum or a relaxed end to a meal, with comfort ahead of intensity.