Everybody’s heard of them. They are legendary – names like Glenlivet, MacAllan, Glenfiddich (sounds like a wizard’s sport) and Glenmorangie. These are all just a few of the well known single-malt scotches that give pleasure to the sipping palates of numerous refined drinkers. Similar all-stars such as Remy Martin exist for the more brandy inclined palate while Belvedere and Grey Goose provide pleasure to those seeking the pinnacle of vodka satisfaction. When it comes to rum, however, the game changes – for every five people who are familiar with the above brands, I am willing to bet that only one has heard of Zaya - a true treat for the refined rum drinker.
While rum is commonly known as the alcoholic sidekick to colas, juices and frozen concoctions, its true beauty shines when it is slowly sipped on its own with nothing to adulterate its nuanced flavor profiles. In this manner, few rums can truly stand up to the challenge – they are usually more concerned with marketing ploys like pirates or funky animals on their labels. This is the rum that most people know. Rums that serve a useful place in cocktails, beach parties, and lost virginities on tropical islands or college bars.
Zaya, however, is a real rum. The Zaya 12 year Gran Reserva is the epitome of what a fine sipping spirit should be. At first sight, one knows instantly that this rum means business. Instead of living among the masses of lower end rums on the shelf, it resides in a manner reminiscent of elite scotches. It sports an intriguing bottle with a raffia top and a densely colored rum inside that guarantees an intense flavor profile.
Looks can be deceiving, but scent rarely is. Upon opening the bottle of this 12 year masterpiece, an intense vanilla and caramel flavor instantly hits your nose and indicates that you are in for a real treat. There is no doubt, that this is one of the best smelling spirits on the market. If taste is the ultimate judge of character, than this rum clearly passes the test. The smooth color and inviting scent do the flavor justice – it is a complexly flavored masterpiece with loads of balanced vanilla and caramel and hints ranging from cocoa to bananas! Instead of burning ones palate like many great spirits do, it gently melts into a complex mélange of tropical flavors making it very approachable for even novice sippers.
Perhaps the best part about Zaya and other great sipping rums (Zacapa to name one which will get its own review!) is that they are not just approachable in flavor – they are also financially approachable. While a top shelf bottle of bourbon, scotch or brandy can run hundreds of dollars, you can buy the top rums in the world for a much more manageable amount. An advantage to the fact that high quality sipping rums have only recently begun to catch on in popularity– is that it is a very affordable pleasure.
While I don’t necessarily condone diluting with juice or cola, I cannot deny that the thought of a real daiquiri or rum and Coke with Zaya sounds infinitely appealing. No matter what your rum preferences are, I highly suggest that you take an adventure with a smooth bottle of rum like the 12 year Gran Reserva from Zaya. It is an adventure that you will likely seek to repeat!
Cheers from the Booze Whiperer!
