Review: Ron Zacapa XO

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We’ve adopted the evolution of Ron Zacapa 23 intently right here at Drinkhacker, reviewing this standout rum providing from Guatemala twice over time (here and here) with a separate deep dive into its elaborate construction. Whereas paying ample consideration to the flagship bottling, we one way or the other by no means acquired round to the crown jewel within the Zacapa line, Ron Zacapa XO. As a refresher, Zacapa 23 is a mix of rums distilled from first press sugar cane and aged between 6 and 23 years within the solera fashion utilizing ex-bourbon, sherry, and wine casks. For the XO, Ron Zacapa hand selects rums as outdated as 25 years and applies an identical solera growing older course of with one notable exception: the ultimate mix is completed in French oak casks beforehand used to age Cognac, befitting of the XO moniker. The packaging can also be considerably extra luxe than the usual providing with fragrance bottle curves and topped with a hammered gold collar. It’s undoubtedly horny to have a look at however calls for an extreme quantity of shelf area. Anyway, sufficient in regards to the bottle. Our overview of the rum inside is method overdue, so let’s dig in.

This rum is a beautiful, ruddy toffee coloration, maybe a shade extra amber than the usual 23. The nostril, unsurprisingly, evokes extra age, as effectively, with deeper notes of aged wine and seasoned oak that pair effectively with parts of dried fig, sticky prune, darkish roast espresso, and creamy milk chocolate. The palate continues to be vivid with all that citrusy, sherry-driven fruit, though a wealthy layer of darkish brown sugar underpins issues, including a silky depth and mild complexity. Espresso notes, nutty and calmly spiced, dominate the mid-palate earlier than a reprisal of fruit on the lengthy end, this time extra Cognac-driven with golden stone fruits and a few poached pear. All instructed, it’s solely a bit extra spectacular than the usual Zacapa 23, however that’s nonetheless saying one thing. An incredible special day sipping rum. For those who can spare the shelf area.

80 proof.

A / $110 / zacaparum.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

Ron Zacapa XO

$110

Score

9.5/10

About Publish Writer

Drew Beard

Drew Beard is Assistant Editor and Social Media Supervisor for Drinkhacker. He has studied and written about beer, whisk(e)y, and different spirits since he first began consuming them, incomes a number of booze-related advantage badges alongside the best way, together with Licensed Specialist in Spirits and Government Bourbon Steward. A recovering Federal authorities worker, he’s pleased to have lastly discovered a profession the place it’s acceptable to drink on the job.