Zaya Gran Reserva 12-Year

A lot of people like this one so I bought it with a lot of expectation. Nope. Even mixed I could barely swallow. Got to try them all. Right?

This is a thin, watery, sweetened vanilla bomb that's overpriced at 30 dollars. I'm not sure how much of the flavor is authentic to the 12 rums blended in this stuff 'cause it's pretty clearly been doctored with added sugar and flavorings.

I drink this neat and on the rocks. On the rocks with a slice of pineapple, and again with a stalk of sugar cane.
Not bad but not my first choice. It will work in a pinch.

Smooth and sweet but not overpowering. Heavy vanilla tones. Great with a medium to full-bodied cigar.

Great on the rocks! I tend to like Bambu as a sipper, but also include Zaya on my sipper list.

I am a fan of Whiskey~Bourbon, but in saying that, I am not sure I want my rum to taste like it. It is super long on the finish, smokey and definitely has the oak there. There is a fruit taste as well as some caramel and vanilla so it's not bad. Just reminds me too much of something else. I have not tried it since they allegedly changed the recipe and I do not think that I will. If you like Whiskey...or maybe even Hennessey, then you will love this.

I love the Zaya brand. Sophisticated, good label. And very tasty rums!

More spice and bite than I generally like but very good for the price.

Yes, it’s sweet. Yes, when sipped beat the flavors seem a little off. But if you’re given a bottle of this as I was, accept the sweetness and go with a diet cola. It marries rather well.

This and the 16 year are both great sippers, easy introductions to rum and a great price (under $25 where I am). Heavy on the sugar, so bear that in mind... it's definitely not unadulterated, but that may fit your palette well or not.