Ice or no ice?

I am not sure as I never (will) drink Zacapa 23 nor drink my rum on the rocks. But temperature might have something to do with it as well. I never tried it with rums but when I go to winetastings in order to refill the cellar I prefer to drink my white wines warmer than recommended and my red wines cooler. Just because in that way they show their flaws much easier than on the 'right' temperature.

I only drink rum over ice, usually over an ice ball. A small amount of water usually opens up the flavor of spirits....however too much water will of course mask the flavors by diluting them too much. I prefer a large ice ball in a temperature controlled cup to get the ice melt and temperature just right. I realize many don’t though.

Xpommy I expirience the same as you. I’v always felt that iced or just cool rum taste off somehow, sometimes to a degree, that it kinda ruin the rum, also sugarfree offerings. Don’t think the delution is to blame, not entirely anyway, cause outdoor sipping in really cold weather has the same effect for me. Would love to know what the explanation for this might be...

I would say, ice doesn't improve the taste, it reduces the flavours. And there is enough water at 40% abv in the rum, there is no need to reduce it further. Sugar doesn't mask the flavours, it improves the taste for people who are not used to high-proof alcohol.

I never drink with ice. As said above it masks the flavours. If it's a good rum I'd rather heat it slightly to bring forth all that tastiness. If it's a worse rum that needs ice I stay clear of it all together