Zaya Gran Reserva 12-Year

Not sure why they felt the need to "fix" something that used to work very well.
I would not drink this if it was given to me except that it must be much cheaper to make.
Gone is the rich, warm flavor and finish. Replaced by an absolutely vile tasting finish!!!

This rum has changed ... the new version with the screw on cap is revolting. Zaya should be Ashamed and Embarrassed to even put their name on this artificial crap. The aroma has an intensely chemical vanilla nature with an unpleasant overtone of aftershave. The taste is consistent with the aroma, and is cloyingly, sickly sweet. I like vanilla, but not this artificial, chemical-tasting vanilla. This product is truly horrible. You may think I'm exaggerating or being overly dramatic, but no. With absolute sincerity, I can tell you, this product is truly horrible.

This rum stinks of cheap artificial vanilla flavour. There is no flavour there from aged rum. Just sugar and caramel. No smoothness either. I guess there was no aged rum to blend their product with. Maybe if you like Bacardi Oackhard a lot that you are willing to pay top dollar for extra caramel and sugar. Better buy vanilla Coke and add some gin.

This rum has become disgustingly sweet. I'm offended this is even still able to be called rum instead of a ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail. I have no idea how long the rum is aged in this mess, but if it's much longer than a year it's a big waste as all the sweetness being added to it completely overwhelms anything positive. Wish they would take this off the market rather than continue to give rum the overly sweet reputation it's still fighting to overcome!

Used to be good, was twelve years old now a blend of twelve different Rums. Same premium price. If you like this jut go to you local gas station and fill up a jerrycan it will taste better

After opening the bottle, I was immediately assaulted by a strong smell of imitation vanilla extract. My wife was observing and immediately asked " Do I need to go and buy something else?" without me even saying a word. Despite my better judgement, I poured a taste. The first thought that came to mind was "Why did I put this in my mouth?" I struggled through another sip. I did get the lightest hint of oak, but then an annoying astringency on the back of the tongue. This is now going to my mixer well.

Be aware: I'm rating the new version of Zaya rum. The aroma has an intensely chemical vanilla nature with an unpleasant overtone of aftershave. The taste is consistent with the aroma, and is cloyingly, sickly sweet. I like vanilla, but not this artifica, chemical-tasting vanilla. This product is truly horrible. You may think I'm exaggerating or being overly dramatic, but no. With absolute sincerity, I can tell you, this product is truly horrible.

They changed their brewing. Do not buy. Only buy the old stock. The old stock has a wicker cover on the top and is not a screw cab

A little too sweet and a little too much vanilla for me. I seem to remember liking it better a few years ago. I'm not sure where that older bottle was from though.

edited to add sugar test results- 20g