Anyone that reads this site regular knows that we love Ron Zacapa, whether its neat, in a cocktail, mixed with food or even on our cereal (well maybe not cereal)
So imagine our excitement with the news that our friends at Ron Zacapa have just released a truly unique and individual blend, called Reserva Limitada 2014.
It is the second in an exciting new annual series of luxury vintage special editions, hand selected by Master Blender Lorena Vasquez, and only available in limited quantities.
Annoyingly we never got our hands on the Reserva Limitada 2013 so to be able to sample some of the 2014 was a privilege.
The Reserva Limitada 2014 is created by slow-aging barrels of Zacapa for two years in a herb garden created high above the clouds, in the cool temperate climate of the Guatemalan highlands.
At this altitude, the rich and fertile soil nourishes more than 20 different herbs such as fennel, coriander, anise and tarragon which in turn, subtly scent the air and infuse in the rum. Inspired by traditional Mayan rituals, which used aromatic herbs in cooking and religion, this slow-aged artisanal rum is a true expression of Guatemala and Mayan heritage.
The infusion with the herbs creates a complex flavor with notes of melted caramel, vanilla and cinnamon. The flavor of the liquid is enhanced best when it is enjoyed neat or with ice but can be made into a range of luxurious cocktails that play on the herbal elements.
If you like the sound of this, then you need to be quick as this limited edition blend will be available at internationally renowned London bars including the Artesian at The Langham, London and Oblix at the Shard.
A small allocation will also be available to buy at stockists including Gerry’s Wines & Spirits and The Whisky Exchange at an RRP of £82 for a 70cl bottle.
However, only 642 bottles of this are available in the UK, making it a truly luxurious limited edition; the perfect gift this Christmas for that special someone.
Like all Zacapa rums, Reserva Limitada 2014 is made from the sugar canes of the volcano- shadowed Guatemalan lowlands, with an ageing process that takes place above the clouds at 2,300 meters above sea level. Traditional hand woven petate bands adorn each bottle and are individually created in Guatemala by skilled craftswomen.
I was lucky enough to take a sample for a test spin, so armed with my trusty Rumfest glass we dived right in and here was my findings:
Nose: I was definitely getting those sweet caramel notes synonymous with Ron Zacapa, but along with those notes I was also getting bay leaf and a hint of oregano.
Palate: Initially on the tongue I could instantly tell this rum was much stronger than the Ron Zacapa 23. A much more complex rum those herb notes were coming through along with caramel, with a subtle hint of wood and vanilla.
Finish: A great finish on the palate with those herb flavours creating a long finish.
A stronger rum than my usual Ron Zacapa 23, you can really tell that 5% makes a difference to the liquid. In terms of a cigar pairing, I’d need to sample some more but I think because this is such a complex rum, throwing in more flavours could clash with the rum. I’d suggest a San Cristobal De La Habana as its a light to medium cigar but the notes of caramel could complement the chocolate, wood and vanilla flavours from the cigar.