Zaya Gran Reserva 12-Year

Absolutely a different taste profile than most rums. The vanilla dominates. I do love the aroma - a sweet, vanilla, nutty quality. The sweetness makes it easy to sip and the alcohol is subdued. However, there was also a characteristic I can't place (orange spice?) and is the slightest bit off-putting that keeps me from rating it higher. I imagine it is better in a mixed, but haven't tried it that way as yet.

Definitely smooth but also vanilla sweet. A couple of years back, maybe 5, I found Zaya had an oily texture to it and I did not purchase another bottle until recently when none of the other sipping rums were available. Definitely not as oily as before and at $37 it works for me.

I made a comparison of this with Kirk and Sweeney 12-year-old the other night. Like both the same way. This one might have a few more flavors in the mouth

similar to plantation 20, same quality as zacapa 23. they are all different yet complement each other. should be in everyone's bar. great rum for a reasonable price. sippable, oh so sippable.

Very sweet and amazing! I am getting into the rum game and I heard this was a great start. Family and friends loved this rum!!! All though if you like mixing your rums with anything sweet I would not recommend as this rum is very sweet.

Very much on the sweet side, strong vanilla with hints of light molasses, honey, and banana.

I like everything about this rum. Clean and smooth from the first sip to the last. Hands down my favorite. I've done a few blind taste tests with a dozen people and Zaya is always on top.

I'm a novice when it comes to picking out the subtle flavors of rum, but I can say this - Zaya is smooth as silk, has wonderful flavor, and is great for sipping as a dessert rum. It's comparable to many much more expensive rums I've tasted and I've always got a bottle on hand.

Cloyingly sweet when drunk neat with overpowering notes of vanilla. Would use it in moderation mixed with other headier rums to add a layer of spice and depth to mixed drinks.

With aromas like caramel vanilla cocoa and some oaks and spicy notes on the palate. A very good rum you have to sip it neat, with a dessert it's perfect.