Top 30 Rums Countdown # 7 – Panamonte Reserva XXV (25 Year Old Rum)

The Panamonte Reserva XXV is a new well aged Panamanian rum from PANAMONTE BRANDS. This is a molasses based rum produced from sugar cane grown and distilled in Las Cabras de Pese. Handcrafted by Master Blender, Francisco “Don Pancho” Fernandez Perez, this rum is very special, as every drop of the Panamonte Reserva XXV rum has been aged for a minimum of 25 years in used bourbon casks.

In case you are not familiar with Don Pancho, I should mention that he has built up quite an impressive track record of late, helping to bring to the market two of my more favoured rums, Panama Red 108 and Zafra Master Reserve.

This well aged rum has a robust, complex flavour which is full of character. The oak is strong and present at all times, yet the wood does not devour the rum; instead, it is an integral part the flavour having merged with the other flavour impressions rather than dominating them. My Judging Panel agrees and the Panamonte Reserva was declared the 7th best rum on my countdown list:

# 7 – Panamonte Reserva XXV (25 Year Old Rum)

“… Thick droopy legs run down the sides of that glass after I give it a quick tilt and twirl, and the initial aroma from the glass is steeped in sweet molasses and tainted with oak spice. Dark brown sugars, orange peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves all drift upwards from the glass reminding me of the sticky cinnamon buns that my mother used to bake on special occasions … “

The rum tempts me with sweetness, beguiles me with softness, and then warms me with oak spice!

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Top 30 Rums Countdown # 29 – Panama Red 108

Panama Red 108 is a Panamanian rum brought to you by PANAMONTE BRANDS. The rum is handcrafted by Master Blender, Francisco “Don Pancho” Fernandez. It is produced from the sugar cane that grew in Las Cabras de Pese, the same region where the Distillery is located. Although the rum is stated as overproof, when I received my first sample bottle two years ago in Miami, Don Pancho  assured me that the rum will feel much smoother in the mouth than a typical overproof rum. (He was right!)

It has as its base, a 3 year molasses based rum which is aged in used Bourbon casks at the distillery warehouse in Pese. That a three-year old rum makes the countdown list is impressive, that the rum is as well, an overproof bottling (bottled at 54 % alcohol by volume), is a testament to the blending expertise Master Blender, Francisco “Don Pancho” Fernandez.

# 29 – Panama Red 108

“… The caramel aroma is accented by hints of tobacco and leather, and the oak spices have separated into orange peel and light baking spices. Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and walnuts have all found their way into the breezes. There is also an underlying floral character to the nose which is very inviting…”

Note: For the record, I like overproof spirits. Not only is the alcohol content stronger, but flavours and aroma are also more concentrated. This gives me more versatility when I consume the spirit to find my own sweet spot of flavour. The Panama Red 108 gives me the versatility I desire. But, more importantly, the Panama Red 108 is an excellent sipping rum!

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Panama Red Arrives in Alberta

Panama Red 108 is a Panamanian rum brought to you by PANAMONTE BRANDS. The rum is handcrafted by the creator of Zafra Master Reserve, Master Blender, Francisco “Don Pancho” Fernandez. It is produced from the sugar cane that grew in Las Cabras de Pese, the same region where the Distillery is located. Although the rum is stated as overproof, Don Pancho has assured me that the rum will feel much smoother in the mouth than a typical overproof rum. It has as its base, a 3 year molasses based rum which is aged in used Bourbon casks at the distillery warehouse in Pese.

There is a bit of a romantic story behind the name of this Rum and it was related to me via email by the Mr. Carlos E. Esquivel G., the Executive Director of PILSA (A Rum distillery and production company, specializing in Aged Rums, and Rum related products in Panama and South America). With his permission, I have reproduced the story to serve as the backdrop for my review here:

The Story of Panama Red… (click on the link to read the story).

Read my Original Review Here:

Review: Panama Red 108 Overproof Rum

Of course, the review includes a great cocktail, Savalle Row.

Please enjoy the story, the review, and the cocktail.

Cheers!

Review: Panamonte Reserva XXV

The Panamonte Reserva XXV is a new well aged Panamanian rum from PANAMONTE BRANDS. This is a molasses based rum produced from sugar cane grown and distilled in Las Cabras de Pese. The rum is very special, as every drop of the Panamonte Reserva XXV rum has been aged for a minimum of 25 years in used bourbon casks. It was handcrafted by Master Blender, Francisco “Don Pancho” Fernandez Perez. In case you are not familiar with Don Pancho, I should mention that he has built up quite an impressive track record of late, helping to bring to the market two of my more favoured rums, Panama Red 108  and Zafra Master Reserve.

I received my sample bottle of the Panamonte Reserva directly from Panamonte Brands shortly after the New Year. I immediately placed the bottle on my review shelf, and now I have completed the review.

Here is an excerpt:

“… As the glass sits, the impact of the oak gains momentum and stains all of the scents with its presence. The orange peel moves to marmalade; the brown sugars move to dark rich toffee; and the pungent spices move to smells of deep dark tobacco… “

You may read the full review here:

Please enjoy this review!

Cheers!