Ron Zacapa 23 Solera

Given that it’s more expensive than most, I thought it would be more special

This is not a true 23 year old rum. That point has been dealt out in many posts before mine. It is a let down.

This blend of rums (different ages-with little 23 year old casket gold) has the dishonor of being further sweetened to appeal to the rum newbies with money to spend.

I will unequivocally state, the rum is a good mixer with Coke, and I haven’t tried it with Coconut water yet. It has aromas of oak, banana, and vanilla. It is a manufactured sweet smell.

The straight sip is pleasant, not overpowering, or bitter with no real burn on the swallow. There is a slight bitterness on the back of the tongue. But no ‘real’ burn like other rums.

I’m not sure about a sipper, but it is good in Coke. This is not molasses based, but sugar cane ‘honey’ which I am liking more and more (think Agricole). And mixes well with the cola.

This is a decently made sweetened rum made for light pallets, but is way overpriced ($49-duty free store Cancun). It’s ok, glad I tried it, but look for it on sale or buy it to say you tried it. As for me, in a very rum unfriendly state (Ohio), I’ll search for some sugar juiced rum (cane-not molasses) for my next bottle.

Nice, not great. But overall tasty,. A little bit sweet.

A little sweet and not much flavor. Well done for a higher end rail rum maybe but not great when compared to Appleton or Foursquare. Missing the oak and cask finish.

Most would like this but this is indeed a sweet rum

Great rum with Strong taste!!!! Value for money and a very safe choice!!!

This a such a smooth rum full of flavour. Either drink this neat or as recommended by the bottle, with an ice cube. My first few sips I got plenty of woody notes with dark brown sugar but as the rum chilled more with the ice cube, it brought out the more sweeter side of this rum. Absolutely delicious.

I love this rum neat or on a cube. It is sweet but also spicy with a warm aftertaste. My go to sipping rum.

Good premium rum, got a bottle from the airport in Guatemala and drank it in the caribbean.
An enhanced experience!

In my humble opinion, the short answer is almost !
The smell and that first sip does not disappoint .
I guess the real connoisseur may feel that the making of this rum is somewhat cheating , however Zacapa 23 holds it head high on this attribute.
This rum would be deemed the bench mark when it comes to the systema solera mixing methodology and with that in mind it brings together so many elements you want in a quality rum. For me the only thing missing was a big finish given how good the body, the caramel and those woody flavors delivered after that first sip .