Rey Del Istmo 10 Year Old
Panamanian Rum
42% ABV / RRP £39.99

As with the wide and very wonderful world of whisky, there’s a wealth of independent bottled belters to be found within the realms and regions of rum. From rare single casks to undiscovered gems from lesser-known distilleries, you will find some true tasting treats from the far-flung reaches of the rum world, that you’ll usually find are far more competitively priced compared to those of their official distillery siblings.

Talking of those far-flung reaches, our latest indie rum discovery hails from Varela Hermanos – the oldest rum distillery in Panama, in the form of the inaugural release from Rey Del Istmo; a 10 Year Old single estate rum, crafted from locally sourced sugarcane, distilled in a column still and aged in American oak barrels.

Given Verela Hermanos’s 116 years of distilling tradition and heritage, Panama’s optimal climate for producing rum and the quality of the distillery’s official releases – which includes the Ron Abuelo brand, I was particularly keen to give Rey Del Istmo 10 Year Old a whirl.

Nose: The aromas open with rich layers of vanilla, caramel, molasses and anise, gradually revealing notes of dates, sultanas, orange peel, cloves, saffron, rose water, cassia bark, charred oak, cherry wood, along with a hint of herbal undertones.

Palate: The flavours lead with a rich creamy vanilla crème brûlée, followed by notes of stewed prunes, sultanas, orange zest, cherry lozenges, aniseed twists, Turkish delight, cloves and toasted oak.

Finish: The finish is subtle yet self-assured, tapering off with delicate hints of herbal and menthol-like freshness.

Summary: Not only is this a very approachable rum for newbies and those more experienced rummies seeking something lighter compared to some of the bolder offerings from Central and South America and the Caribbean, it makes for a great slow solo sipper and a superb base for a multitude of cocktails and serves. It has to be said that it works particularly well served over ice, topped with ginger beer, with a wedge of lime for good measure!