Panama-Pacific has crafted something worth paying attention to with Panama-Pacific Reserva 9 Year Old Single Traditional Column Still Rum. Hailing from Panama, this aged expression represents the kind of rum-making that rewards careful tasting and an open mind.
Panama-Pacific has built a reputation for quality in the aged category, and this bottling continues that tradition. A nine-year-old rum from Panama-Pacific, matured for three years in ex-bourbon barrels, before being transferred to roasted Tennessee and Canadian rye barrels for a six year finish. It is this attention to craft that elevates the final product beyond the ordinary.
On the nose, the rum opens with an inviting complexity that draws you into the glass. There is a confident interplay between the spirit's natural character and the influence of maturation, creating layers that reveal themselves gradually. The palate confirms what the nose promises — this is a rum with genuine substance. At 47.3% ABV, the alcohol is well-integrated, never harsh or overwhelming, allowing the full spectrum of flavour to unfold across the tongue. The mouthfeel is pleasingly weighted, with enough body to carry the flavours without becoming heavy or cloying.
In terms of versatility, this is a rum that crosses boundaries. It is perfectly at home sipped neat after dinner, but it also brings real character to cocktails. An Old Fashioned made with this rum is a thing of beauty — the aged oak and vanilla notes complement the bitters and sugar perfectly. Whether you are a purist or a cocktail enthusiast, there is something here for you.
At £39.25, Panama-Pacific Reserva 9 Year Old Single Traditional Column Still Rum is a competent entry, though competition at this price is stiff. Scoring 6 out of 10, it holds its own in the aged category. A respectable showing.
