Notes: Distilled in a four column still then aged in used bourbon white oak casks and bottled as a blend of older rums rather than something with a age statement. This rum is part of a series, the others being the Ron Abuelo 7 Year Old and Ron Abuelo 12 Year Old. This is one of the few rum producers who grow their own sugar cane which allows them a bit more control over the sugar cane they use in their product for both consistency and taste

Appearance: Luscious translucent light copper gold color clear with no hazing separation or floating sediments. Long legs develop on swirling along with droplets, then changing to mostly droplets.

First Impression: Slightly heavy, luscious sweet, cane juice and molasses, spicy but dryish nose, nicely complex. There is however a slightly spirity heads component to it that slightly detracts from a otherwise excellent bouquet.

Taste: Spicy, medium bodied, touches of sulfur, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, mace and butterscotch. Nuts and spices, with a touch of sweetness lead to a pleasantly lingering finish.

Drinks: Damn nice mixing rum and cheap enough to use and not worry about cost. Complex for its age and spicy enough to stand up to other ingredients. Great for Tiki drinks where you need a rum with backbone but not something that will overwhelm a drink with syrupy sweetness. Makes a lovely daiquiri.

Cigars: Any decent cigar will do – like a La Gloria Cubana or Hoyo de Monterrey.

Bottle/Packaging: Deep brown clear glass with pseudo parchment paper label and dark red/brown plastic screw cap closure. Pommel shield area has small illustrated paper medallion. Not much to look at.

Final Thoughts: A very nice rum for the money.Our choice for use as a mixing rum – but good enough to enjoy on its own (try saying that about most rum in that price range – including or maybe especially the big boys). Well made and well worth the money. Usually any rum under $15 is a scary proposition and tastes like fuel oil. This on the other hand is excellent and complex for the money.

Web site:  http://www.ronabuelorum.com

Alas, This page is under construction but there is a link to the Panamanian site (which has a English version which is quick loading, and somewhat informative. Easy-to-read and navigate if a bit skimpy on details.