Review: Zaya Rum – Cocobana and Alta Fuerza

Zaya rum — made in Trinidad and Tobago — just lately dropped two new uncommon expressions — the primary line extension for the model, ever. Each are blends that embrace rum as much as 16 years previous, and one is evenly flavored. We acquired them each for evaluation. Ideas comply with.

Zaya Cocobana Rum – Flavored with banana, cocoa, and spices, this rum is kind of darkish in look, and there’s certainly loads of previous inventory within the mix right here. The nostril doesn’t draw back from these flavoring parts, thoughts you: Flambeed banana hits first, then a coffee-laced cocoa powder and a mixture of gingery baking spices. Think about probably the most unique spiced rum you’ve ever had and also you’re within the ballpark. The palate is nice however approachable, the aggressive banana sliding right into a nutty character that evokes glazed walnuts, vanilla, and ample spice. Much less chocolate on the palate than the nostril, with a maple syrup high quality to the end. Sticky. It’s an excessive amount of by itself, however you’d be properly suggested to drop your Captain Morgan and use this as a go-to cola mixer. 80 proof. B+ / $30

Zaya Alta Fuerza Rum – Not flavored as close to as I can inform, that is simply an overproof mix of aged rums. It definitely pulls no punches within the taste division, nonetheless, its wealthy nostril evoking well-sugared espresso, darkish chocolate, banana candies, and loads of vanilla. Sweeter on the tongue than I anticipated given the 57.5% abv, the rum bursts with notes of oxidized fruit — nearly Port-like at occasions — that meld with orange blossoms, chocolate sauce, vanilla, and ample espresso bean notes. Mouth-clingingly candy and sticky on the end, notes of brown sugar and maple syrup endure for ages. Unusually, whereas there’s some preliminary burn, the completed product is way extra approachable than you’d count on at bottle power, maybe owing to the tempering high quality of the sugar within the combine. 115 proof. B+ / $40

zayarum.com

Zaya Cocobana Rum

$30

Score

8.5/10

About Submit Writer

Christopher Null

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran author and journalist, he additionally operates Null Media, a bespoke content material firm.