Zaya Gran Reserva 12-Year

Pretty enjoyable in a cocktail but too sweet for sipping

Nice tasting rum, but quite a lot of bite. A little sweet. I mix with it. Makes a nice combination with fruit juices.

Bottle purchased in Crete several years ago. I’m rating the old Zaya 12 year (note bottle neck in photo) before Diageo bought them and ruined this rum. Pours a very dark brown. Aroma of butterscotch and molasses. Mildly sulfur and sweet. Bananas and chocolate. Such a pleasantly mild palate with a pronounced vanilla. This was a great rum back in the day.

I certify this review is my own opinion and that I do not have a professional affiliation with Diplomatico.

Nose - 4.5
Taste - 4.0
Aftertaste - 3.5
Overall - 3.9

I tend to use this rum for rum old fashions, or on the rocks for sipping. It has a nice caramel flavor to it that is very enjoyable at a low price point.

Compared to most cheaper rums, Bacardi's etc., this rum is very good. After reading some of the other reviews, I must say it does taste a bit different than before, I thought it was me. I just can't find a better one, I do admit I'm somewhat of an amateur here, so help me out. I usually have a glass with ice, let it melt for a few and than sip.

Great starter rum. This is what you buy for a good beach day rum!

There are better values though, for sipping or mixing. Sweet, somewhat thin. I preferred putting it in a drink to having it neat.

Tasty sweet rum for sipping has nice mouth feel and notes of vanilla and caramel