Abuelo Gran Reserva 12-Year

Not a bad rum, but not that good either. I've tried it on the rocks, with cola, with ginger, with other cocktails, and I can't really find the best way to enjoy it.

Tested this long ago and you can definitely taste that it’s a Panamanian Ron. It has it all, but everything is weaker than in the better ones.
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Tasted it again during Birka’s rumcruise 22/3-2019 at a Master class and this time I had difficulty to distinguish from Havana Club 7yo.
So my rating will not be changed.
Picture: Brands included at the blindtest.

The tastes are good and there is nothing special to complain about but
I feel there are better options even at more affordable prices.

Pretty sweet rum compared to the entry level and 7years Abuelo.
Super caramely and vanila aromas / flavors with himts of orange notes.

After my initial introduction to the fabulous 7-years old Abuelo some years ago, the time had come for me to get to know its 12-years old brother, my expectations being really high....but the awakening was rather rude! Although it's older, it's even sweeter, and if in the case of the 7-years old the balance between dryness-sweetness is succeeded in an exemplary manner, here in our case we are talking about an intense sugary palate, a feature that covers nearly everything else. Yes, it is a pleasant rum after all, but I wouldn't prefer my rum to be as sweet as a birthday cake!

The aroma is the best part of this rum. It's quite tropical. I get ripe mango, banana, some vanilla and coconut and the inside of a cigar box. Initial sip is smooth and pleasant, but after that it quickly becomes cloying, saturating my taste buds with sugar. This is overly sweet and has been sugared beyond a doubt. Not many redeeming features beyond the sweetness. Lots of banana, honey and vanilla, some orange peel and baking spices/cinnamon, but ultimately very one dimensional, because the sugar overpowers everything else. Having said that: there's also nothing in the Abuelo 12 that's unpleasant and it's a good bottle to have on the shelf in case of visitors who like their rum sweet and soft. Finish is short with a subtle oaky bite that's somewhat pleasant. Final point of critisism: the bottle is very brown and very boring. Maybe they went for rustic, but it looks cheap

nez banane flambée, boiser
bouche direct sur le bois mais doux et fruité presque sucré, chaleur qui enveloppe la langue comme une liqueur presque soilleuse ,

I think this is a pretty good rum, it’s quiet sweet which I don’t mind too much with tonic or something. I get vanilla and coconut with a slight oak after taste.

Nothing special. Ok to drink if not something better is available.

I was expecting more.. my first rum from Panama.. strong alcohol smell and taste..kind of flat tasting.. ok for mixing with coke..but for the price, I wont buy it again