Ron Abuelo XII Two Oaks is a 12-year-old Panamanian rum from the Varela family, matured in ex-bourbon oak barrels and then finished in new, extra-charred American oak. It is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
The idea is in the name: one oak for flavour and one for smoothness. The rum first rests in ex-bourbon white oak barrels, then spends nine months in new American oak with a thick, deep char, which adds a gentle smokiness and an extra-smooth finish.
It pours a dark mahogany. On the nose you find light smoke, toasted oak, vanilla and nuts. The rum feels silky on the palate, where caramel, toffee, roasted coffee and coconut lead to a long finish.
Ron Abuelo, Spanish for grandfather, is the family's tribute to its founder. The bottle, with the founder's portrait and signature on the label, makes a handsome gift for rum lovers and for bourbon drinkers curious about aged rum.
Aged rum is one of the most diverse spirits in the world, shaped by the sugarcane, the still and the warm climates where it matures, which speed up the interaction between spirit and wood.
Panama's rums are traditionally made from sugarcane molasses and distilled in column stills, a light, smooth style well suited to long aging.
The country's tropical climate speeds up the interaction between spirit and wood, so a twelve-year rum gains the depth of a much older spirit aged in a cooler place.
Finishing in heavily charred new oak, as bourbon makers use, adds vanilla, caramel and a whisper of smoke.
That bourbon-inspired finish makes this a natural bridge for whiskey drinkers who are curious about aged rum.
Tasting Notes
-
Nose: Light smoke, toasted oak, vanilla and nuts.
-
Palate: Silky, with caramel, toffee, roasted coffee and coconut.
-
Finish: Long.
Specifications
-
Producer: Varela family, Panama
-
Style: Aged rum, double matured
-
Age: 12 years
-
Casks: Ex-bourbon oak, then 9 months in new extra-charred American oak
-
Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
-
Region: Panama
-
Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or over a large cube, or use it in a rum Old Fashioned. It pairs with grilled meats or dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Two Oaks?
It matures in ex-bourbon oak, then finishes in new extra-charred American oak.
How long is the finish?
Nine months in the new charred oak.
Where is it from?
Panama, from the Varela family.
Explore more in our Rum collection.
