Like all rums from the Guatemalan distillery, Zacapa Edicion Negra is a solera-aged rum. Its special feature is that it has been aged in 4 different casks, one of which is made of oak that has been toasted beforehand.
Nico's tasting notes
Summary: caramel - toasted wood - molasses - nuts - vanilla - round
The nose of this rum has all the makings of a candy. From caramel to barley sugar, the cane sugar candy can be enjoyed in many forms. Assertive notes of toasted woodiness come next, accompanied by a slightly smoky, burnt molasses. The woodiness seems to have released some vanilla thanks to its toasting, but for now the empyreumatic side leaves little room for this sweetness. Indeed, charcoal and roasted coffee are much more at home in this rather brown atmosphere. Dates, walnuts and figs are also at home here. A hint of cocoa brings them together in a sort of mendicant, albeit without candied fruit.
As the rum slides around the rim of the glass, the candy becomes fruitier, leaving a little more room for the vanilla. But soon enough, powdery nuts and spices return to tickle the nostrils. Toasted wood joins in, sweet and caramelized, but also both dry and vegetal (dried flowers). This wood takes the lead, burnt and dominating a rum with a light, stripped heart. The fruit has disappeared for the moment, but will return to find balance with rest.
The palate is faithful to the nose, with woody caramel (or is it the other way around?), molasses and roasted notes. The balance is there, the rum is rather well-ordered. It retains a sense of lightness at its core, the cask has really been allowed to express itself. The spices and caramel continue to flow, softened by a benevolent vanilla.
The finish is very light, with a caramel note that echoes all the aromas encountered from the start.
