Some may find this to be a great deal, while others might not be impressed. This rum is aged 21 years. Compared to other 21-year-olds like Appleton Estate, this bottle is a steal. The nose is pleasant, with hints of caramel, molasses, tobacco, and leather, though it seems less intense than the AE21. The palate is quite similar, and the finish is good and lasts a medium amount of time. Overall, it's a decent sipping rum and a fantastic value, but it lacks the complexity and body of the AE21.
Zafra Master Reserve 21 Rum
Rum Aged Rum Panama 21 Year 40% ABV
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About this bottle
Zafra 21 Rum is distilled at Las Cabras Distillery in Panama under the direction of Cuban master blender Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez. This molasses-based rum is aged in used Bourbon barrels and carries a twenty-one-year age statement. The Zafra brand, whose name signifies "harvest" in Spanish, was initially launched in 2010.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 23 parsed reviews.
I'm not a rum connoisseur, but a score of 76 seems a little harsh for what is a pleasant, though admittedly uninspiring, drink. The aroma is somewhat subdued but reminds me of dried fruits soaked in... well, you know. Rum raisin and similar flavors. The palate is reminiscent of sherry-forward Canadian whiskey - maple syrup, multigrain pancakes, and some orange peel. It's the least exciting of the rums I've tried so far, but I would drink it again.
Nose: Features inviting notes of rich caramel, toasted vanilla, and wood. Palate: The mouthfeel is somewhat thin, but it offers delightful vanilla and cream flavors, along with marshmallow and brown sugar. Finish: Lingers with molasses, vanilla, and caramel, plus some oak spice for a moderate duration.
Smells of caramel/toffee, very pleasing and as I'd expect a good rum to smell. Quite dry on the palate and not excessively sweet. Hints of toffee and bourbon are present. Very smooth and easy to drink. A fantastic deal for under $50 if you prefer a rum that isn't too sweet.
This rum has the natural sweetness of rum but it's not overwhelming, and it's very smooth with a clean finish. It might be a little too easy to drink, and you have to pay attention to notice its complexity.
Tasted it. It's a nice rum. I understand its popularity. It has a rich, broad flavor profile, with sweet molasses and a distinct nutty aftertaste (walnut, hazelnut). The aroma is of sweet molasses and vanilla. An excellent rum for sipping.
17 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.