Abuelo 7 Year Rum

The 7 Años rum is an interesting blend of rum-making traditions. During the Panamanian Dry Season (from December through April), freshly-pressed sugar cane juice is fermented and then distilled before being placed in used oak Bourbon barrels for aging. During the wetter months Varela uses a combination of pressed cane juice and molasses for its fermentation base. After seven years in the barrels, the rum is blended and then bottled to be enjoyed.

Appearances

Ron Abuelo 7 Años is a very lovely light gold color in the glass. Held up to the light, the rum takes on the same color as fresh honey. The legs on the glass appear thin and sharp, but cling strongly to the glass and only grudgingly retreat into the bowl.

Nose

The nose of the 7 Años is dry at first, with hints of flowers and straw. This light, dry nose gives way to heavier, richer notes of vanilla and caramel. It’s a wonderful blend of what one would expect from both molasses-based and cane-juice-based rums.

Palate

At first taste, Ron Abuelo 7 Años is sweet at the tip of the tongue with warm flavors of toffee and caramel. The mid-palate introduces floral notes of vanilla that give way to apple blossom just before the finish. Ron Abuelo finishes with earthy notes of leather and almost no burn in the throat. The texture is rich and full on the tongue.