Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/687399
GETTING READY TO RUMBLE WITH RUM MALECON Although Rum Malecon is proudly produced in and imported from Panama, the brand captures the spirit of Cuba through and through. Maestro Ronero Francisco "Don Pancho" Fernandez, the former Cuban Minister of Rum, emigrated from Cuba to Panama, where he set out to craft high-grade spirits, such as Rum Malecon, whose name is inspired by a famous street in the heart of Havana. All expressions are crafted from premium cane molasses that is carefully fermented in a process that relies on airborne yeast, then distilled in copper column stills almost a century old. Individually numbered bottles are plant- packaged with bottle tag brochures, reflective of the personalized attention each batch receives. Rum Malecon 10 Year Old Reserva Superior (SRP $39) delivers on its deep ruby promise, offering bright citrus and caramel on the nose and a light, medium body. A floral, citrus flavor on the palate leads to spice and tropical fruit, with vanilla and spiced molasses lingering on the finish. The young, delightful offering took home a well-deserved Silver medal at this year's San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Rum Malecon 12 Year Old Reserva Superior (SRP $49) hits on the nose with vanilla and soft oak, a balanced, medium body with tropical fruit notes, orange and cinnamon and a mouthwatering finish. This spirit, made for sipping, was awarded a Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Rum Malecon 18 Year Old Reserva Imperial (SRP $65): at 80 proof, this handcrafted masterpiece earned a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ripe pear and dried fruit lead on the nose, while notes of salted caramel and grilled pineapple captivate the palate, leading to a long, round, smooth finish. Rum Malecon 25 Year Old Reserva Imperial (SRP $120) starts as sweet, hand-cut Panamanian sugarcane molasses fermented and distilled, then aged in re-charred white oak bourbon barrels. The resulting 80-proof spirit is an elegant dark bronze amber liquid expressing toffee, caramel and dried fruit on the nose; the complex, full-body is sweet and rich with fruit, tobacco notes and a long finish with sublime spiciness. 120 / the tasting panel / june 2016 CATEGORY REPORT Although best known for the four core expressions of Rum Malecon, three limited-quantity vintages of Rum Malecon Selección Esplendida are available in the United States: 1979, 1982 and 1985. —Becky Tsadik COBALT BRANDS