A lovely blended rum from Guatemalan Distillery Ron Botran. Whilst the label states 12 years, it should be noted that Guatemalan law allows Botran to label this rum using the oldest spirit in the blend. This rum is a blend of 6 to 12 year old rums. Nevertheless, this gives the rum a tremendous balance between youthful sprightliness and aged dignified notes. On the nose this rum opens with lovely, cane-forward notes of fresh brown sugar, caramel, and syrup. Some oaky aromas come through after a while in the glass. The palate is dense, with a little coffee and chocolate and some dried fruit notes. Some sharpening sugar finishes the palate. The finish is short and sweet with woodspice and burnt brown sugar. A great value rum!
For the money, this rum is ok, but it lacks any body or depth. Might give the 18 a chance.