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AÑEJO RUM Rum Luxury N THE NEW DARLING OF THE SNIFTER SET by Robert Plotkin ot everyone can jaunt off to the Caribbean, but sipping a fine old rum may be the next best thing. Añejo rums are lush, elegant spirits similar in complexity and depth of flavor to well-aged brandies. Equally attractive is that they’re surprisingly inexpensive. Spirits mature faster in the heat and humidity of the Caribbean basin; as a result, rums barrel-aged for 12, 18 or 21 years often cost about half of what a comparably aged single malt or alembic brandy would. And then there’s rum’s romantic allure to consider. These tropical gems are imbued with tantalizing aromas and rich palate-pleas- ing flavors. The combination can be rather intoxicating. And We Sipped . . . A sterling example of how seductive these rums can be is Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva. Originated in Cuba in 1860, the rum is now produced in the Dominican Republic from continuous-distilled molasses and solera-aged for approxi- mately 15 years. The Gran Reserva has an amber hue and a generous bouquet of vanilla, caramel and plums. It barely generates any heat as it fills the mouth with waves of semisweet, bakery-fresh flavors. The finish is long and eminently satisfying. For guests looking to impress someone special without emptying their wallet in the process, Plantation Rum Barbados 98 / the tasting panel / march 201 1