Zafra Master Reserve 21

This bottle was gifted to me by a friend so it's free 99 price tag may be biasing my taste buds. That said, this is one of the best rums I've had. The perfect caramel color actually speaks to the flavor profile. Nice and sweet without being overbearing and the subtle hints of wood and fall fruits and spices are reminiscent of a sweeter bourbon, making it a good choice for whiskey and rum drinkers.

Now that my bottle is officially kicked in dream of the day a fresh bottle is back in my home bar.

zafra master reserve 21 presents with immediate vanilla, cane, and oak, in perfect balance. the experience is consistent on the palate in the sense that the flavor profile doesn't evolve - it simply is what it is - except to finally give way to a slightly "boozy" ethanol burn. may be drunk neat or over ice, but don't be ashamed to use it with a mixer.

Minimal burn, but lack of after taste. However, the oak/nutty notes are delightful with its semi-sweet touch of molasses. It's a truly remarkable aged rum!

This rum is so different than all the other rums I have or have tasted in the past. I do like this rum. It is not sweet and seems dry, if that is even a way to describe rum. It definitely is unique in flavor and aroma. I drink it on the rocks. If you are looking for something different from most rums give it a try.

Finally a Rum my wife likes as well. She is a whiskey drinker and really likes Zafra. One of the few I drink on the rocks no mixing.

Seems to be a pure rum but it doesnt really jump out at me as something I want to drink. I've had an open bottle for almost 2 years. I enjoy it when I have it, just not something I seek out.

Easily one of my favorites. Very smooth, with balanced caramel, vanilla, and light molasses flavors. I normally am not find of a strong or heavy molasses flavors rum but this one is exactly right. Subtley sweet, but not overpowering at all. Has a slight burn (very slight) but is a delayed warm tingle that brings out focus on the after taste. Not the longest after taste, but long enough to full enjoy the flavors it presents.

For me I sip this one neat, and it goes down sooo easy. Never added ice as for me it was never necessary and I am so happy with it neat I never had the urge to experiment.

It's a little higher than other rums ($45 Miami where I buy it) but no where near the exclusive prices. Yet, I'd take this any day and $45 for this beats any whiskey hands down in this price range.

*December 2020 Update* So this has, without question, become one of my favorite rums. There is no rum I would rather sip by the fireplace on a cold day. Its flavors are bold and complex yet also harmonic and inviting. It is to my tastes absolutely masterful. Next to Foursquare 2007, this is probably tied for my single favorite rum of all.

Original review:

Given the flavor profiles I was afraid I wasn’t going to like this rum as much as others. Given the rating though I felt like I had to try it...and I am so glad I did. This is an extraordinarily smooth and pleasant rum to be savored slowly. Some say it has a burn to it, but I would say it is more like a fireside warmth. It’s like molasses, oak, maple syrup, and fine tobacco next to a crackling fire. It leaves a marvelous after-essence of hickory nut. This is absolutely becoming a mainstay in my cabinet. I am impressed.

2 weeks after popping the cork on this bottle I still can’t get it’s beautifully complex mix of flavors out of my head. That being the case I think I have to bump this up to a full 10. This rum is a master piece to be savored slowly on every sip.

Nose: 10
Palate: 10
Aftertaste: 10
Smoothness: 10
Versatility: 8
Price: 9

Total: 9.5

I love it full of taste with too many diferent tastet's in diferent moods

Had higher expectations, simple and smooth rhum, with no clear character