Ron Cartavio Solera 12 Años Rum

Appearance: Dark amber, noticeable viscosity. Slow-moving legs in the glass. Nose: Honey, sweetness, minimal alcohol presence, molasses, cocoa, sugarcane extract. Taste: Bitter cocoa, faint honey notes, dense, smooth. Adding a little water softens the spirit, reducing the silkiness but increasing sweetness; the bitter cocoa remains but is less pronounced. It might not be the most complex or flavorful rum, but it's incredibly easy to sip and drink straight. Excellent stuff!!!

My top rum choice. The aroma presents coffee, sugar cane, and tobacco, among other scents from the Peruvian foothills. The initial taste is complex, with sugar cane and molasses complementing roasted coffee and fine tobacco. The ending is remarkably smooth, making one anticipate another sip.

Tasting this at Aranwa Resort in the Sacred Valley. It's acceptable, but not nearly as good as the XO I had yesterday. It's a little less sweet, with vanilla, dried fruits, and a sherry cask finish standing out. I suggest saving your money for the Ron Cartavio XO 18yr. I'll be looking for the XO at duty-free on my way home.

Sweet, with a mild burn in the middle and a hint of banana flavor (overripe banana). As a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates complex tastes, this is on the simpler side.

Good for mixing into an Old Fashioned. Leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste following the sweetness when consumed neat.

On the palate: tobacco, coffee, dark chocolate, ripe bananas, and a hint of spice.