Zaya Gran Reserva Gift Pack - 5 Sterne Rum aus Trinidad

While many rums embrace the pervasive idea that rum is a mixer to be poured with cola or blended with coconut water and never taken alone, others are fighting against the collegiate stereotype and attempting to establish the category as one equal in sophistication to whiskey or brandy. Zaya is one of the latter.

Zaya Gran Reserva is a rum constructed of other rums. It is a private label rum, meaning that the rum is purchased from various sources and then blended to create the final spirit that rests in a very nicely-crafted bottle.

In Zaya’s case, the rums are sourced and blended in Trinidad and Tobago in the Southern Caribbean. The rums in question have been aged a minimum of 12 years in used bourbon barrels before being blended together by the Master Blender. Once the blend is complete, the rum is bottled at 80 proof (40% abv) and shipped to liquor stores and bars near you.

Appearances

In the bottle, as well as in the glass, Zaya has a deep, rich mahogany color with just a tinge of honey gold on the edges when it rests in the glass. The rum has almost a velvety appearance all on its own.

Nose

A sniff of the rum reveals vanilla and caramel immediately and in a dominant fashion. There is a strong, sweet smell as the two scents give way to notes of cocoa and banana. After a little more searching you’ll find a hint of orange peel at the very back of the nose, but vanilla and caramel continue to dominate throughout the nose.

The character of the nose is rich and sweet.

Palate

Rich and luxuriant vanilla and caramel great your palate on the entry, just as they did on the nose. Notes of cocoa persist throughout the experience while underneath the heavy and sweet flavors you’ll find hints of apples and bananas before the finish arrives with a strong showing of cherry accompanied with the ever present vanilla.

The body of the rum is heavy and oily, giving an almost velvety feeling on the tongue. In the throat it leaves almost no burn whatsoever. This is a rum that announces its presence to all of your senses. The richness of flavor make this a good candidate to sip while enjoying a cigar.

Some people may find the richness and sweetness of Zaya to be a bit overwhelming for a sipper. When it comes to personal taste, that’s just how these things go. Personally I prefer Zaya as the centerpiece in a cocktail or if I do sip it, I do so in conjunction with a cigar or appropriate food pairing (something savory and salty). My partner/editor especially enjoys the heavy sweetness of Zaya along with its almost complete lack of any heat in the finish.