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[Chè]

Right now, we're liking the Zaya rum. A little pricey here at $40 but really tasty.

Is this the newer Angostura related Zaya (Trinidad) or the discontinued Zacapa related (Guatemalan)?

[GolfNut]

Is this the newer Angostura related Zaya (Trinidad) or the discontinued Zacapa related (Guatemalan)?

Zaya Gran Reserva 12yo Trinidad. Tastes like a Creme Brulee.

[CoventryCat86]

Che, where they hell you been for the past five years?

Welcome back!

I like Havana Club but I'm not really much into premium rums.

[Chè]

Zaya Gran Reserva 12yo Trinidad. Tastes like a Creme Brulee.

You might want to give the Angostura line a try. This version of Zaya is a blend of their rums.

Che, where they hell you been for the past five years?

Trying on dresses and stuck in line at "Forever 41".

I like Havana Club but I'm not really much into premium rums.

I know exactly what you mean. I like Ferraris but I'm not really much into fast cars. LOL

[ggiese]

Aside from the no-brainer "Z" rums (I agree, Che - the Guatemalan Zacapa was much better than the Zaya Trinidad) and Havana Club, I like Appleton Estate Extra – 12 Year Old

I've not had the 21 yr old, but have heard good things. Unfortunately I'm more of a Anejo Tequila and Scotch fan so I typically invest my $$$ there.

[ggiese]

Also - I know it sounds crazy - but at one time I really enjoyed Bicardi Solara. Smooth - pleasant. I don't know what they did, but the newer stuff tastes to me like varnish remover...

[Chè]

Also - I know it sounds crazy - but at one time I really enjoyed Bicardi Solara. Smooth - pleasant. I don't know what they did, but the newer stuff tastes to me like varnish remover...

Yeah. This use to be "the Cuban substitute". I still have a bottle left from 2001. And you're right, I tasted some recent production about a year back...

[Chè]

Aside from the no-brainer "Z" rums (I agree, Che - the Guatemalan Zacapa was much better than the Zaya Trinidad)

Maybe I created a mix up with Zacapa... but just to be clear, prior to a couple of years ago, ILdG simultaneously produced both Zacapa and Zaya. They were siblings. Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala also produces Ron Botran, which the "1893" is pretty damn good sibling too.

Zaya was a private brand of rum bought from the distillery. BTW, Montecristo rum was also private bought / bottled rum from the same source. From what I hear, Montecristo is no longer ILdG product as well -- but before getting the boot the bottler secured a supply that would allow the brand to remain the same origin for awhile. Zaya on the other hand quickly switched to bottling private bought Angostura rum and only changed the origin on the bottle label to product of "Trinidad"

Unfortunately I'm more of a Anejo Tequila and Scotch fan so I typically invest my $$$ there.

Nothing unfortunate about that. My tequila experience is more moderate than other spirits. But hopefully we'll get to a Scotch discussion sometime soon as I definitely dabble in malts too.

Being an anejo tequila fan, if you come across Depaz Blue Cane Rhum, you might try a shot. A lot of the better refined rhum agricoles have characteristics similar to aged tequila. Depaz has decent US distribution and representation but the number / variety of agricoles that come ashore stateside is pretty limited.

[ggiese]

Maybe I created a mix up with Zacapa... but just to be clear, prior to a couple of years ago, ILdG simultaneously produced both Zacapa and Zaya. They were siblings. Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala also produces Ron Botran, which the "1893" is pretty damn good sibling too.

Zaya was a private brand of rum bought from the distillery. BTW, Montecristo rum was also private bought / bottled rum from the same source. From what I hear, Montecristo is no longer ILdG product as well -- but before getting the boot the bottler secured a supply that would allow the brand to remain the same origin for awhile. Zaya on the other hand quickly switched to bottling private bought Angostura rum and only changed the origin on the bottle label to product of "Trinidad"

I knew there was a connection between Zaya and Zacapa, but never knew they were that close. I like both (in earlier versions) equally well. Now it makes sense the difference I'm experiencing. Thanks for the info!

Recently, while in Las Vegas, I had a chance to sit down at Casa Fuente with a cigar and a wee bit of the Montecristo Rum. Nearly forgot about that - which is odd, because at the time I thought it was unforgettable. Momma joined me, and even remarked that she thought it was one of the more memorable parts of our trip! Good stuff as well!

Ah... The hells of getting older.

BTW - momma gave me a gift of Dalmore King Alexander III for Christmas. ...and just about finished my bottle of Dailuaine 15 yr old that I got for Christmas from another friend (good hooch!). I've not opened the King Alexander... yet... Some of the samples I've have made me increasingly anxious to crack it open...

[nhcigarfan]

Is this the newer Angostura related Zaya (Trinidad) or the discontinued Zacapa related (Guatemalan)?

I was at my local NH liquor store and they had 4 bottles of the zacapa 23 yr Guatemalan. Had not idea it was discontinued. Looks like I should pick some up.


Edit - funny, I checked the state inventory and it shows only three bottles in the state and not at the store I was at. Looks like I really need to pick some up tomorrow.

[Chè]

Zacapa was NOT discontinued. No stampede necessary.

The private brand "Zaya" lost it's source which was the same distillery (as Zacapa) but a different blend. Zacapa continues to be produced. Zaya the brand continued but the source of the rum is no longer Guatemalan nor related to Zacapa.

Does NH = New Hampshire? If so, you guys have some nice prices on certain liquors. That said, talking Zacapa, Shopper's Vineyard in NJ (quiet as it's kept lol) regularly sells Zacapa X.O. for $59.99. If you look around, that's a steal!

[Chè]

Today I had a couple of small pours of this rum (hopefully the picture works).

Ron Botran 1893 is also a rum in the "Zacapa" family. Less sweet + a tad drier than Zacapa 23 & the now retired Guatemalan Zaya, allegedly in the 18 year old range.

Of the three mentioned names, I think this one comes closest or reminds me the most of a good malt, with some evident barrel char & a slight smokiness. Big thumbs up!

[Chè]

Back in the saddle, just went through a measure of this retired classic. Still love this stuff when ever I desire a heavier, sweeter pour.

[Chè]

Opened this up earlier today. Good stuff. Less attitude than their 12 year old, still a very nice sipping rum!

[Chè]

Since winter moved in, haven't been on the rum much (mostly whiskeys and brews lately). Since I poured a couple of shots just over an hr ago figured I come rant about it. Excellent. Not overpriced either. Enjoyed with a Montecristo No.4.