Zafra 30 ans is a molasses rum, column-distilled in Panama. One of the fathers of this cuvée is none other than "Don Pancho" Fernandez, the famous maestro ronero of Cuban origin and training. From his island home, he can claim to have inherited an acute mastery of the secrets of the art of blending. His advice is passed on to fellow producers of "Hispanic" rums throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
This Zafra (meaning "harvest") is a blend whose oldest rums are 30 years old. Bottling took place in 2016, which means they were distilled in 1986. To reach such an age count is a feat in the tropics. The ex-bourbon casks used for ageing have therefore been the object of particular attention.
Nico's tasting notes
The nose is undoubtedly roasting. Caramelized nuts, plump vanilla syrup, sweet coffee and dark molasses follow one another with a certain roundness.
Aeration doesn't fundamentally alter the profile, although it does return a little more to the heart of the rum, i.e. a fairly light distillate.
The palate is frankly tasty, if rather heavily sweetened. The American oak barrel dominates, with its soft white fiber, light roast, full-bodied vanilla, blond tobacco and hints of toasted coconut.
The finish is very round and vanilla-like.
"A luscious rum that pays tribute to American oak barrels...".
Axel Alvarez
Inevitably very similar to the 21, but always more subtle, a gustatory delight like few others.