Bristol Classic Rums, founded by renowned rum connoisseur John Barrett, is a UK-based independent bottler celebrated for sourcing and ageing exceptional rums from across the globe. With a focus on authenticity, terroir, and cask-driven complexity, Bristol Classic Rums hand-selects rare and characterful spirits from the Caribbean and beyond, maturing them under optimal conditions before bottling without chill filtration or artificial additives. Each release reflects a commitment to traditional rum-making, provenance, and unadulterated expression.

The 2010 Panama Reserve Rum from Bristol Classic Rums is a superb example of aged molasses-based rum, distilled in Panama using a column still and matured for 12 years in refill American oak casks before being bottled in 2022 at 47% ABV.

In the glass, it reveals a luminous golden hue, hinting at its extended time in oak. On the nose, it opens with inviting aromas of roasted cocoa, soft vanilla, and delicate wood spice, offering a fragrant and balanced bouquet. The palate is smooth and rounded, delivering notes of sweet vanilla and warm oak, layered with nuances of cocoa, subtle strawberry, and a faint echo of tropical fruit. The finish is long and elegant, with a caramel sweetness and gently fading fruit notes, leaving a refined and satisfying impression.