Bacardí Reserva Limitada Rum

N: A bit dry with what seems like extended aging in wood. I detect a subtle sherry-like fruitiness and also faint scorched sugar. It's not a very bold aroma. There's a touch of damp paper mustiness. The complexity is present, but it's understated and the aroma is quite light. P: This is sweeter and more assertive than anticipated. There are abundant fruits, though the pineapple does impart a slightly drying sensation. There's a kind of mature-in-wood character throughout that's difficult to articulate, but it's akin to aging in spent barrels. The fruits include bananas, mangoes, pineapple, orange, hints of lime, and possibly others (faint honeydew and lychee?). Sweet sugar transitioning to vanilla is present. Little in the way of caramel, though the wood does possess a slight burnt sugar quality. There's a very subtle oily, nutty element as well that resembles the Plantation 20th Anniversary. The equilibrium here is good, but slightly overpowering. I desire more body as well. The complexity truly does emerge though. Plantation Xaymaca is rougher, but significantly more substantial and lively. F: Less full-bodied than I would prefer and most of the complexity fades. It's mainly some indistinct tired wood barrel with the faintest traces of the other flavors from the palate appearing at times. - Conclusion - Plantation Xaymaca might be more robust, but there's a certain refined elegance here. Everything harmonizes well. The complexity here also surpasses Appleton Estate 12, but the weak flavor still poses an issue. A slightly higher alcohol presence is noticeable, but it's truly minimal. This exhibits less nuance in its complexity than Plantation 20th Anniversary and I believe this hits the mark about right. The Plantation is more substantial and a touch smoother, but it's not the undisputed winner here. This is progressing very well. It's elegant, balanced, and very accessible. If I were seeking an introductory sipping rum to suggest, this would be a strong contender. My rating has increased from a 14 to a 16, and I've settled on a 15. I can envision a 16, but I'm choosing the 15. This simply doesn't feel significantly superior in quality to Plantation Xaymaca and Appleton Estate 12 to justify a 16. It's unfortunate that the palate is so lacking in body; if the flavors were just more pronounced, I could see assigning a 17 to 19. The fundamental profile here is quite good, but there's simply not enough of it.

I appreciate the bottle design and the legacy of Bacardi rums. This Gran Reserva Limitada sat in my collection for some time before I opened it, anticipating a smooth experience. I was somewhat let down. The aroma is potent, and the color is deep and rich. However, for the price, close to $100, superior alternatives exist, particularly if you seek a sweet profile. The Zacapa Solera 23 is a great choice.

Subtle, herbal, and floral with a touch of spice. Some smokiness in the finish.

Hints of vanilla, spice, richness, and a touch of banana flavor.

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