Panama-Pacific 23-Year

So smooth, so rich, so sweet, this is everything I can hope for from Panama plus a Canal minus the drugs.

This one is growing on me quite a bit but honestly, I was slightly disappointed the first time I tried it. Needs a little time, and perhaps an ice cube, to open up and smooth out (which I didn’t give it my first go ‘round). Very dry & the oak really comes through on the palate.

Not sure if this is the correct rum. Trying to rate Panama Pacifico 23. Wonderful rum. Full of flavor throughout. A cross between a sweet and a dry rum. Oak coming through at end. Sip it neat. Traditional rum flavor on pallete and in nose. Finishes with a bit more spice and oak.

Deep oak flavor. Less smooth, stronger, than English Harbour which was enjoyed the same evening.

Some alcohol on the nice but then vanilla and caramel.
Not sweet at all so it is a nice change from the standard rums available now.
Little hot in the mouth neat. Trying it with a little ice now.

I tried this at a rum festival, and was very impressed with the smoothness and balance of this offering. It boasted a similar profile to its 9-year old little brother, but amazingly smooth. It's worth noting that this rum is not solera-aged, and the number on the label represents the youngest—not the oldest—rum in the blend. I hope to revisit this bottle soon so I can add some more specific tasting notes. Until then, I'll simply add my strong recommendation, and hope the producers continue to offer such high-quality aged spirits.

Edit 8/2017 - Had the opportunity to re-try this rum. It's very good. Dry and smooth, but still with an oaky bite in the finish. It reminds me rather of Havana Club Selección de Maestros, but with less earth/tobacco. I think it would be a fantastic sipping rum. The flavor plus the story behind it make for a winning combination! Would that it were a little stronger, and a little funkier, but we can't have everything, can we?

Smooth, smokey and not too sweet. An experience not to be missed from start smell to lingering end. One of the best in my collection.

I've had a difficult time liking Panamanian rums, but this is changing my perspective. The entire line-up is worth a try.