www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I picked up a bottle of Zafra 'Master Reserve' rum today. It's made in Panama, and is 21 years old. It's imported in the States by Dana Wine and Spirits Importers out of Miami. Apparently it's available in only a few states (Florida, Texas, California), but I did find it for sale on the Internet. I paid $58, but the Internet price is about $38, plus shipping. It's an amazing rum, not quite in the class of Zacapa from Guatemala, or Demerera 'El Dorado' from Guyana, but not far behind. I highly recommend it, if you can find it. Apparently it was introduced in the States about two years ago. I'd put it in the same class as the Venezuela rums (Diplomatico and Pampero), but of course in the end it's a matter of taste.

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"In a nation ruled by swine, all pigs are upwardly mobile, and the rest of us are phucked until we can put our acts together; not necessarily to win, but mainly to keep from losing completely"...Hunter S. Thompson (RIP)

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I said hey baby, take a walk on the wild side.
Lou Reed

Why are you wasting your money on expensive rum? I have seen you drunk many times on the cheap stuff.

It is obvious you have not tried Ron Centenario XX y/o Fundación. It's made in Costa Rica and you can't miss the bottle; it's covered in (real) leather. Runs about $33-35 in the Duty Free store. Sometimes they will offer a two bottle special for about $55. This rum is NOT to be mixed. In order to enjoy it to the fullest, you must pour it on the rocks, let it chill and then sip it. Slowly letting the mellowness play in your palate.
It is also available online in the US. I usually get 5 bottles shipped at a time for about $43.50 per bottle.
You'll love it! I sincerely think it is the BEST.

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Respectfully,

Muff

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Two reviews and ratings about the rums in question from http://www.tastings.com/search_spirits.lasso

95 • Zafra Aged 21 Years Master Reserve Rum $39.99.
Rich burnished amber copper color. Polished aromas of dried stone and tropical citrus fruits, melted toffee, vanilla, mossy river stone, and spice cake have a distinct high toned bourbon barrel quality and follow through on a smooth, satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with superb depth and poise. Finishes with a long, evolving cascade of tobacco, leather, cocoa, cedar, nut, and earth nuances. An elegant, seamless aged rum for contemplative sipping, or top shelf cocktails. (tasted on Jun-30-2010)

94 • Centenario Fundacion XX Años Reserva Especial Rum $39.99.
Deep amber copper color. Baked banana, roasted Brazil nut, and star anise aromas. A round, satiny entry leads to a glycerous off-dry full body of hot spicy nuts, cinnamon bark, banana custard, and tobacco flavors. Finishes with a long, sweet toffee and spice box fade with powerful pepperiness. Impressive. (tasted on May-29-2007)

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I said hey baby, take a walk on the wild side.
Lou Reed

Here's a soon-to-be-published book on the history etc. of rum. Knowledge is power: http://www.amazon.com/Rum-Global-Histor ... 1861899262 << The 2 reviews are glowing.

Co-posted in the "what are you drinking...?" Thread.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED