Zaya Gran Reserva 16

Sweet and complex aroma: root beer, hints of grape, brown sugar, vanilla, and white chocolate. However, the most dominant, defining note (unbelievably) is the white candy stick from a Fun Dip packet. Look it up if your childhood lacked it; it's basically a hard, sugary vanilla confection. The taste: much more vanilla alongside sweet tobacco, freshly made sweet tea, sweet orange (it's a rather sweet spirit), and then banana. This then shifts to mango first, then plum in the middle, followed by banana candy. The progression of these flavors is magnificent, and the secondary notes are like experiencing a sequence of tropical candy flavors. The underlying warmth and texture barely change, only the flavors. The empty glass carries a strong scent of vanilla extract and somehow nothing else, truly a technological wonder. I've heard tales that Zaya used to be much better in the past, when the bottle had actual rope around the neck, and that this current version is a poor imitation of its former greatness. But if this is how rum past its peak tastes, then I need to explore more rum!

The aroma is complex and rich. It starts with dark brown sugar and molasses, sugar plums, dates, and spices. Then, notes of cocoa butter, Black and Mild cigars, and a hint of Bananas Foster with cinnamon emerge. Finally, vanilla extract aged in oak barrels appears, and the complexity steadily grows. The vanilla eventually becomes dominant, reminiscent of Tonka bean-heavy perfumes, and can even be detected after the cork is replaced. The flavor is similarly rich, sweet, and spicy. A thin, burnt caramel appears first, followed by more brown sugar, allspice, butter, and vanilla bean. The texture is slightly syrupy, full without being heavy. The legs descend rapidly at first, clinging like pulsating veins as droplets fall upon them like a rain chain before finally vanishing. Heavy, slow drops follow. More allspice and clove are present in the finish, along with semi-dryness and mild oak tannins. As anticipated, abundant vanilla and sweetness persist, along with maple sugar candies and some fruitiness that resembles Raisinets. Aroma: 8 Taste: 9 Body: 9 Finish: 8

Aroma of vanilla, honey, mango, pineapple, and nectarine. Not excessively sweet or fruity, and very well-balanced. The taste is outstanding. There's a mild warmth, but the flavor is predominantly sweet, featuring burnt sugar, vanilla, and honey. The finish is quite long, concluding with a hint of toffee. I'm uncertain if it justifies the price, as alternatives like El Dorado 15 year, Plantation XO, and Flor de Cana 15 year are all less expensive and superior. Nevertheless, it's a good rum, and I'm pleased to possess a bottle. Overall: Aroma - 3.75/5; Taste - 4.0/5; Overall 3.75/5 Repurchase: Only if found on sale Occasion: Special Event

Pleasant vanilla aroma with a hint of floral and allspice. It's smooth and slightly oily, with a certain richness. Tastes of vanilla and spice. Near the finish, dried plum and something else... dark raisin?... lingers, evoking exotic tropical fruit. A floral and allspice aftertaste. The color is good, resembling A&W Root Beer but darker. My wife, who is from Trinidad, genuinely enjoys this mixed with Pepsi. It works well as a mixer. This is a commendable spirit for sipping! Rating is based on neat sipping.

What in the hell happened to this brand? It's a trashy, intensely sweet vanilla bomb. The superb sipper of the past is gone. The current thickness makes it feel like frosting mixed with canola oil. And a massive middle finger for the misleading "a blend of runs up to" in tiny print next to the "16 YEARS" label. I despise tricks, Diageo, and this rum.

I've read various opinions on Zaya, so I bought a bottle of Zaya 16 during the holidays. I was expecting something akin to Diplomatico Gran Reserva, but instead, I found it to be full of spices and tartness. Trying it on ice didn't significantly improve it. Some friends enjoyed it, but it seems this one isn't for me. I gave the rest to a friend to enjoy.