Rum Nation Guetemala Gran Reserva 2018

This is a Guatemalan rum bottled by Rum Nation, the well regarded Italian independent founded by Fabio Rossi. Rum Nation is known for a two stage maturation, ageing rum first in the tropics and then in Europe, and for a catalogue that ranges from purist Rare Rums to softer, sweeter Spanish style bottlings. This Gran Reserva sits at the gentler, more affordable end of that spread.

It is molasses based and column distilled, aged four years in ex-bourbon oak, a young rum built for easy drinking. The nose offers vanilla, orange peel, caramel and sweetness, and the palate follows with caramel, vanilla, honey and spice, finishing on caramel, toasted oak and a touch of dark chocolate. It is sweet and smooth in the Guatemalan manner, lining up with the softer Botran and Zacapa school but lighter, and honestly a little simple. It is at its best neat or over ice as a relaxed, dessert leaning sipper rather than a rum for chasing complexity or dryness.