Zafra Master Reserve 21

The life of "Covid Isolationism" has brought me to the WORLD of RUM. I had this rum delivered and it did not disappoint. Zafra 21 presents to the nose at first pour with wafts of complexity married with a rising wave of alcohol dryness. As it mellows in the glass so does the alcohol vapors strength. Now we have carmel, vanilla and sandlewood. The bourbon casks are also present. In the mouth it starts with a sold hit of its proof and imparts so many subtle tastes like a symphony.This rum is not overly sweet. It finishes with a slight burn and cherry, carmel and other notes keep on coming. The color of the rum is a light golden auburn. When swirled in the glass it presents such beautiful legs. VERY SEX-Z-(afra). I'm not alone anymore.

I have been trying to hit different styles on my journey and this was my first step towards more dry, less sugary rum. I thought it would harsher, but it was really nice. I enjoy woody flavors and you can definitely taste the bourbon cask. I much prefer it neat, as I picked up more layers in the flavor. It seemed better after letting it sit and open up for about 5 - 10 minutes in the glass. With ice it become one dimensional with a much stronger,, more bitter woody flavor.

It’s a little harsh in the nose immediately after the pour, but is enjoyable after about 5 minutes.

Interestingly, once the filtered water ice cube melted, I found a lot more depth in it. Maybe it’s my palate, but it’s the first rum that felt that way. I really picked up a lot more with the filtered water in it, but at room temp. Probably the way I’ll drink the rest of the bottle.

Since I drink bourbon half the time, I was interested to try this rum. Notes from the bourbon on the nose, and I think the vanilla notes come from barrel also. Goes well with the fruitiness of the rum. Smooth and sweet. great to sip neat. When (if) I find my second bottle, I'd like to try it in a rum Old Fashioned or a rum Manhattan.

This rum is good, it’s smooth, sweet, slightly mellow, ok aftertaste but doesn’t work for me maybe I’m blinded by my Foursquare rums. Just lacking something to cary it to the next level.

It was just what you would expect from a 21 year rum. It had obvious hints of oak and caramel quite similar to other 20 year rums. I had it in Rumba in Seattle.

This rum is halfway between Spanish and Jamaican style. Maybe common points with an El Dorado and a Quorhum.
Very pleasant complexity all in all.

V celku obyčejná láhev, ale k dnešnímu dni nejlepší obsah jaký jsem zatím pil a za tu cenu není vůbec o čem mluvit.

Vůně: vyvážená, příjemná
Chuť: jemná, vyvážená, lehce sladší
Opětovná koupě: určitě ano
Cena: okolo 1400,- Kč

I'm really surprised this isn't much more popular as I don't see if around often. I had to order my bottle from California if I recall. I must say a very proper bottle and well worth its cost.

Very impressive Panamanian rum. Smooth to a fault. Very easy to drink. A great sipper. I liked this neat better than on ice. Balance is inspiring. Great bourbon nose. Thoroughly enjoyable. My only wish is that the finish was a bit longer. A rum this good cant last too long.

A touch sweet for being such an “aged” rum but still delicious. Vanilla, oak, straw. It’s hard to believe this is actually a 21 year rum with the price point being so low (around $55 usd).