Zaya Rum

[elderboy02]

I bought a bottle of Zaya rum today :)

what cigars do you think pair best with Zaya?

Right now I am thinking a Cabaiguan Guapo.

Thanks!
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[King James]

That should work :tu . I love Zaya

[The Professor]

Um... let me think about that. :hm










ANY cigar pairs well with Zaya. :D :al :D :al

[Mark C]

Zaya's pretty flavorful, I'd stay away from the mild smokes.

[M1903A1]

Zaya's pretty flavorful, I'd stay away from the mild smokes.


Hey, if you don't like your stick, ramp up the Zaya!! :tu

[TripleF]

Pretty much anything as far as I'm concerned! :tu

[cle_smoker]

I had a glass of Zaya with a fellow member here and it was fantastic. I can see it pairing with anything.

[Sauer Grapes]

The Vegas crew, livewire actually, introduced me to Zaya. It was fantastic and I usually don't like liquor straight or on the rocks.

Supposedly it used to be even better before they switched distilleries.

[BC-Axeman]

Better? Different? It's still some of the best. I love Zaya straight. I would stay away from the peppery sticks but it doesn't really matter.

[awsmith4]

Um... let me think about that. :hm










ANY cigar pairs well with Zaya. :D :al :al

:tpd:

[marge796]

I have never had Zaya before. Is it a spiced rum? Or on the rocks with a mixer kinda rum?


Thanks,

Chris....


:al

[Savvy]

I have never had Zaya before. Is it a spiced rum? Or on the rocks with a mixer kinda rum?


Thanks,

Chris....


:al

Straight up neat sipping rum. It is a spiced rum. I've had both bottles from Trinidad (New) and Guatemala (Old). They're both great, but the old stuff was just a little bit better. It definitely pairs well with cigars.

[md4958]

Zaya is probably the best rum Ive had thus far. Dont mix it, its excellent straight. It has a wonderful bouquet of vanilla.

Tim has a bottle stashed in our locker at the lounge, and I must say that I enjoy partaking in his purchase (I got him a bottle of Havana club as a payback).

The only problem I find is that the rum is so flavorful, that all I taste is the Zaya when I smoke. My last experience was with an inch of Zaya and a Mag 50. I couldnt enjoy the flavor of the Mag 50 because it was overpowered by the rum.

[tsolomon]

Zaya's pretty flavorful, I'd stay away from the mild smokes.
:tpd:

[BeerAdvocate]

I wish I could get Zaya where I live. The best I can get is Zacapa 23 so its my favorite thus far!

[elderboy02]

Hmmm.... I had some Zaya with a SCdlH El Principe on Saturday and all I tasted was the Zaya. Maybe I shouldn't pair it with cigars :confused:

[pnoon]

I wish I could get Zaya where I live. The best I can get is Zacapa 23 so its my favorite thus far!

Both are excellent. I actually prefer the Zacapa 23 to the Zaya.

FWIW - I've never had a problem drinking rum with cigars. :al :ss

[md4958]

Hmmm.... I had some Zaya with a SCdlH El Principe on Saturday and all I tasted was the Zaya. Maybe I shouldn't pair it with cigars :confused:

thats what Im saying Dan! The Zaya doesnt require any accompaniment... actually, it steals the show!

[Wanger]

The old Zaya (Guatemala) is MUCH better than the new (Trinidad) version. I've had then side by side, and the Guatemalan version is smoother and the flavor doesn't overpower with Vanilla like I felt the Trinidad version does. My wife was lucky enough to find me a bottle of the Guatemalan version last Friday, and they may be able to get their hands on more for me, too. I seriously hope so. :)

As for the cigars I've paired it with, it has gone well with everything I've smoked with it. Fuente to DPG to other island smokes. :D Just an all around outstanding sipping rum (or it used to be before the move, IMO).

[hova45]

Um... let me think about that. :hm










ANY cigar pairs well with Zaya. :D :al :D :al

Yeap totally agree and on another note you should try Zacapa centenario, Diplomatico reserve, and Havana club...hehehe

[hova45]

The old Zaya (Guatemala) is MUCH better than the new (Trinidad) version. I've had then side by side, and the Guatemalan version is smoother and the flavor doesn't overpower with Vanilla like I felt the Trinidad version does. My wife was lucky enough to find me a bottle of the Guatemalan version last Friday, and they may be able to get their hands on more for me, too. I seriously hope so. :)

As for the cigars I've paired it with, it has gone well with everything I've smoked with it. Fuente to DPG to other island smokes. :D Just an all around outstanding sipping rum (or it used to be before the move, IMO).

Guatemala has the best Rum and I am not just saying that cause my girlfriend is from Guatemala....:hf:dance::al

[Nelson]

I agree. Guatemala makes some of the world's finest rums.

Zaya in my opinion, goes well with a PSD4. It's one of my favorite pairings, not because the flavors compliment each other, but because they contrast each other. Experiment with any other medium body cigar, you will be surprise that it lends itself well to a range of flavor profiles. Have fun finding your own favorite:tu

[M1903A1]

I finally found some current production Zaya at my old source about a week ago. At first I was very disappointed...the vanilla flavor is MUCH stronger than either Zacapa 23 or what I remember of the old Zaya. As I've had it over time, I'm not so disappointed anymore. I wouldn't pair it up with a cigar at this point--I find it tends to overpower the flavor--but on its own I think it's great. I would almost call it a dessert rum.

[TanithT]

For a spiced rum with intense vanilla notes, try Sailor Jerry. I found that to be a pleasant cigar pairing if you enjoy that flavor.

[Darrell]

I still have several bottles of the original Zaya, I love the stuff. :dr

[Wanger]

I still have several bottles of the original Zaya, I love the stuff. :dr

Bastage!!! :p

[rrplasencia]

Pretty much anything as far as I'm concerned! :tu

:tpd::al

[RGD.]

I still have several bottles of the original Zaya, I love the stuff. :dr

Yep - I'm down to 5 bottles currently. 4 unopened and 1 opened. :ss


Ron

[Darrell]

Yep - I'm down to 5 bottles currently. 4 unopened and 1 opened. :ss


Ron

That's exactly where I am at.

[CueTheMusic]

My liquor store still has a good number of the Guatemalan stuff. I've been enjoying it quite a bit. Keep thinking the next bottle will be my last, but then they keep putting more out on the shelf. :dr

[replicant_argent]

gonna find a way to block this thread.

[BC-Axeman]

I'm glad Zaya is expensive and I'm married or else ...:hn


I like this stuff too much.:al

[DMK]

I'm curious what the taste difference is between the two....
I've got a bottle of Trinidad from KidRock, but haven't tried the other.

[BengalMan]

DMK, see above posts, various opinions have been given.

[M1903A1]

I'm curious what the taste difference is between the two....
I've got a bottle of Trinidad from KidRock, but haven't tried the other.


From my recollection the taste difference is VERY pronounced. Lots more vanilla. That said...in its own right, I like it. :2

[Old Sailor]

I'm curious what the taste difference is between the two....
I've got a bottle of Trinidad from KidRock, but haven't tried the other.

Saturday :tu:tu:dr

[macpappy]

I'm confused.
I have a bottle of Zaya Gran Reserva 12 year old rum. The label says its an aged blended rum blended from pure sugar cane and imported from Trinidad. It does have a strong vanilla flavor but not as overpowering to my taste as some find it.

No where on the label does it say "spiced" and it doesn't taste like any of the other spiced rums I've tried.

Other than that, I have smoked a couple of different cigars with it and find that it does overpower the medium body cigars I like.

[rizzle]

I'm confused.
I have a bottle of Zaya Gran Reserva 12 year old rum. The label says its an aged blended rum blended from pure sugar cane and imported from Trinidad. It does have a strong vanilla flavor but not as overpowering to my taste as some find it.

No where on the label does it say "spiced" and it doesn't taste like any of the other spiced rums I've tried.

Other than that, I have smoked a couple of different cigars with it and find that it does overpower the medium body cigars I like.

It's not a spiced rum mac. I don't know how that got into the thread, I think it was just a suggestion someone threw in.

I don't find the vanilla overpowering either. In fact, the strong vanilla notes are part of what makes me enjoy it so much. But to each his own. And I haven't found a cigar that doesn't pair nicely with it.

[macpappy]

Funny thing just happened. I went to my B&M (which is also a wine/liquor shop) to pick up some sticks. These two ladies in front of my bought the last six bottles of Zaya in the place. They told the manager that Zaya was the best rum they had ever found for making Pina Coladas. The manager just smiled and after they were gone looked at me and said, "That is a waste of some very good sipping rum. I never mix it with anything but a little ice."

[BengalMan]

Funny thing just happened. I went to my B&M (which is also a wine/liquor shop) to pick up some sticks. These two ladies in front of my bought the last six bottles of Zaya in the place. They told the manager that Zaya was the best rum they had ever found for making Pina Coladas. The manager just smiled and after they were gone looked at me and said, "That is a waste of some very good sipping rum. I never mix it with anything but a little ice."

Oooh the agony! I honestly would consider not selling it to them if they said that and I owned a liquor store, lol.

[Wanger]

My liquor store still has a good number of the Guatemalan stuff. I've been enjoying it quite a bit. Keep thinking the next bottle will be my last, but then they keep putting more out on the shelf. :dr

Where are you that they still have it?!?! I heard that Ian had cleared out all the stores in Central Florida!

[ToddziLLa]

Best rum I've ever had. :D

[BengalMan]

Where are you that they still have it?!?! I heard that Ian had cleared out all the stores in Central Florida!

And Iowa. :banger

[CueTheMusic]

Ha! Did you get some?

[Wanger]

And Iowa. :banger

You know that we'll kidnap Josh if what he picked up was for you. :)

[BC-Axeman]

I'm getting to like the new stuff just fine. :D

[BengalMan]

You know that we'll kidnap Josh if what he picked up was for you. :)

Some of it was.

[GreekGodX]

Bought some of this rum yesterday and it was great. I rarely drink rum but this rum has to be in the rotation of drinks.

[Wanger]

I'm getting to like the new stuff just fine. :D

I'm not, so more for you.

[Wanger]

Some of it was.

Bastage!!!

[Jbailey]

Finally bought some today, good stuff. It's a nice sipping rum and thinking of having a small glass with a cigar later tonight.

[Parshooter]

Best rum I've ever had. :D

Come on over sometime, I can change your mind :banger

[Noodles]

Best rum I've ever had. :D

Todd (what's up my friend?), let me introduce you to my favorite Saint of all time,

http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1011620x.jpg

:tu

[groogs]

Supposedly it used to be even better before they switched distilleries.

I think it was way better before they switched. I am kicking myself for not stocking up on the old stuff.:(

[GreekGodX]

If this rum was better before I cannot fathom it. The "new" one is fantastic. I just had another glass now. :dr

[Wanger]

If this rum was better before I cannot fathom it. The "new" one is fantastic. I just had another glass now. :dr

I know I've said it before, but I've had them side by side, and the old stuff wins, hands down. It's smoother and more refined. The new stuff has a bite that the old version does not have. Additionally, the Trinidad (new) version has a significantly more pronounced vanilla flavor/aroma to it. I guess I have been spoiled in that I was introduced to it before the move to Trinidad. As others have stated, I wish I would have stocked up more before the move.

[ToddziLLa]

Come on over sometime, I can change your mind :banger
I might take you up on that sometime. :dance:

Todd (what's up my friend?), let me introduce you to my favorite Saint of all time,

http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1011620x.jpg

:tu
Ronnie, how's it going my friend? I'm open to trying anything, especially if it comes with your high regards. :D

[Old Sailor]

If this rum was better before I cannot fathom it. The "new" one is fantastic. I just had another glass now. :dr

Everyone at my herf loved the older version, bottle is empty now.

[GreekGodX]

Everyone at my herf loved the older version, bottle is empty now.

Thanks for rubbing it in Dave. I wish I could have made it :mad:

[BC-Axeman]

I think Zacapa is pretty close to the Guat. Zaya. I like Ron Centenario more than those anyway. Money and wife keep me from drinking $100 a week.

[BengalMan]

I think Zacapa is pretty close to the Guat. Zaya. I like Ron Centenario more than those anyway. Money and wife keep me from drinking $100 a week.

BLASPHEMOUS! :confused:

[BC-Axeman]

BLASPHEMOUS! :confused:
:r
Taste is entirely subjective.
They are all very good.

[BengalMan]

Yeah yeah yeah

[glassjapan]

Not sure why it's blasphemous. At bare minimum there are as many lovers of Zacapa as there are for either version of Zaya. If you're lucky enough to find the fully wrapped bottles you'll change your mind.

That said, gimme some Mount Gay Extra Old, El Dorado 21yr, Cruzan Single Barrel, or even Oronoco to either of the Z's.

[tobii3]

I was able to pull some favors....

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/tobii3/MissionComplete005.jpg

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get these out today...but they will be headed out VERY soon!!

:banger

[Wanger]

I was able to pull some favors....

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/tobii3/MissionComplete005.jpg

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get these out today...but they will be headed out VERY soon!!

:banger

How much would it cost to hijack that shipment, tobii!?!?!?!?!?!?

[DougBushBC]

So after discussing this today, here is what I found:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WzSZoBJDIGQ/Sj_RaaibBEI/AAAAAAAADBI/2RcdPJHthxs/s800/IMG00033-20090622-1425.jpg

[CueTheMusic]

Not sure why it's blasphemous. At bare minimum there are as many lovers of Zacapa as there are for either version of Zaya. If you're lucky enough to find the fully wrapped bottles you'll change your mind.

That said, gimme some Mount Gay Extra Old, El Dorado 21yr, Cruzan Single Barrel, or even Oronoco to either of the Z's.

I've compared Cruzan Single Barrel one on one with the Guatemalan Zaya, and while I do like the Cruzan, it doesn't compare in my opinion. I've never had the newer Zaya yet. I need to try some other decent rums, but the selection here isn't the greatest, and I'm cheap. :)

[Wanger]

So after discussing this today, here is what I found:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WzSZoBJDIGQ/Sj_RaaibBEI/AAAAAAAADBI/2RcdPJHthxs/s800/IMG00033-20090622-1425.jpg

:dr :dr :dr :dr

[BengalMan]

Not sure why it's blasphemous. At bare minimum there are as many lovers of Zacapa as there are for either version of Zaya. If you're lucky enough to find the fully wrapped bottles you'll change your mind.

That said, gimme some Mount Gay Extra Old, El Dorado 21yr, Cruzan Single Barrel, or even Oronoco to either of the Z's.

I have some Zacapa, it is very good. I believe it and the Guatemalan Zaya were produced in the same location. Never was a fan of the Mount Gay Extra Old or Cruzan Single, I'll have to check out the other two though. None of which I've had thus car compares to Guatemalan Zaya. The Zacapa 23 comes somewhat close though

[Old Sailor]

So after discussing this today, here is what I found:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WzSZoBJDIGQ/Sj_RaaibBEI/AAAAAAAADBI/2RcdPJHthxs/s800/IMG00033-20090622-1425.jpg

OH MY!!:dr

[BengalMan]

I was able to pull some favors....

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/tobii3/MissionComplete005.jpg

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get these out today...but they will be headed out VERY soon!!

:banger

Tobi,

What can I say but thanks a ton for the very kind gesture! Opening up the FedEx box and seeing a massive Pelican case with two bottles of Guatemalan Zaya as pictured above!! Your a marked man Tobii, and I will be hitting you back and it will hurt!

[Old Sailor]

:dr:dr:dr:dr:dr

[DougBushBC]

So just opened one of those bottles... drinking it with my Oliva MB1 Torpedo (2001)

[Mark C]

That said, gimme some Mount Gay Extra Old, El Dorado 21yr, Cruzan Single Barrel, or even Oronoco to either of the Z's.

I'm with you, Zacapa/Zaya are great, but they're too thick and sweet for me. I really enjoy the others you've mentioned (can't find Oronoco), but Ron del Barrilito is my absolute favorite, and not sold in my state... :mad:

I've compared Cruzan Single Barrel one on one with the Guatemalan Zaya, and while I do like the Cruzan, it doesn't compare in my opinion.

That's an apples to oranges comparison. The Cruzan SB is more comparable to other Spanish Islands (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, etc), while the Guatemalan rums are in a group by themselves, maybe closer to the English style rums (El Dorado) in body, but with a little more sweetness.

I have some Zacapa, it is very good. I believe it and the Guatemalan Zaya were produced in the same location. Never was a fan of the Mount Gay Extra Old or Cruzan Single, I'll have to check out the other two though. None of which I've had thus car compares to Guatemalan Zaya. The Zacapa 23 comes somewhat close though

You're right, Zacapa and Zaya (and Ron Botran, and Montecristo Rum) were originally produced by the same distillery in Guatemala. Zaya was an independent bottling, so they got cut when demand increased for the company's own rum (Zacapa and Botran).

If you like the sweetness of Zacapa/Zaya, Pyrat is the only other that really comes close. If you like the thicker, heavier body, you'll probably enjoy the El Dorado. The smoky flavors of that one make it particularly cigar friendly.

[Wolfgang]

Ive only had the Trinidad Zaya, now im going to have to look for the Guatemalan one since my bottle is almost empty :sad

[BengalMan]

If you like the sweetness of Zacapa/Zaya, Pyrat is the only other that really comes close. If you like the thicker, heavier body, you'll probably enjoy the El Dorado. The smoky flavors of that one make it particularly cigar friendly.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of Pyrat. It has WAY too much orange flavor, it tastes like Gran Marnier too me, not like a rum. I'll look into the El Dorado though for sure.

[Prefy]

Our rum selection is so limited up here but im thinking of picking up some el Dorado in the near future.

[tobii3]

:dance::dance::dance:

IT MADE IT!!!!!

AWESOME!!!!!!

[BengalMan]

:dance::dance::dance:

IT MADE IT!!!!!

AWESOME!!!!!!

Indeed it did, thanks again brother. It's your ass though.....

[Wanger]

Ive only had the Trinidad Zaya, now im going to have to look for the Guatemalan one since my bottle is almost empty :sad

The Guatemalan will be in short supply EVERYWHERE, especially where Ian's been. LOL

Honestly, I'm not a fan of Pyrat. It has WAY too much orange flavor, it tastes like Gran Marnier too me, not like a rum. I'll look into the El Dorado though for sure.

I've gone through a couple bottles of El Dorado 12 yr. Very good and about half the price of Zacapa.

I agree on the Pyrat. WAY too heavy of citrus flavor to me. It tastes more like an ice cream topping than a rum.

[Mark C]

The Guatemalan was last seen on my local store shelves in Dec '07. Good luck with your search!

I'm with you guys on the Pyrat, I'll drink it, but the orange is a bit much for me. Need to find something good to mix it with, orange daiquiri maybe? Or mix that with the Trini Zaya into some sort of creamsicle drink? Can you tell I've got frozen drinks on the brain right now? :)

[Jbailey]

Enjoying a glass with a 00 party lonsdale. Not bad.:D

[Wolfgang]

The Guatemalan will be in short supply EVERYWHERE, especially where Ian's been. LOL

Has Ian been to Florida? haha There is a tiny crappy storethat still has some Guatamalan ones near me I think

[BengalMan]

Has Ian been to Florida? haha There is a tiny crappy storethat still has some Guatamalan ones near me I think

Not personally, but I have had people pick up bottles at three different shops down there. :wo

I have eyes and ears everywhere when it comes to Guatemalan Zaya.;)

[CueTheMusic]

Well, my store is now Trinidad only...

BengalMan must have cleaned them out of the Guatemalan. :D

[Wanger]

if you're in Iowa ("surrounded by corn"), it was likely another Oliva rep, who's a friend of mine that got to them.

[BengalMan]

if you're in Iowa ("surrounded by corn"), it was likely another Oliva rep, who's a friend of mine that got to them.

We accumulate Zaya in packs. :)

[dunng]

Still no luck getting Guatemalan Zaya around here... :sad

[Old Sailor]

Still no luck getting Guatemalan Zaya around here... :sad

Ian has them all!!:r:r

[DougBushBC]

Duuung I hve a bottle or two to trade if you want one :)

[ToddziLLa]

I honeymooned in Jamaica, so Appleton Estate always has a place in my heart. :)

It was in EVERYTHING they made down there! Rum sausage, rum syrup, rum w/a shot of rum. :D

[Wanger]

We accumulate Zaya in packs. :)

You're both still @ssholes. :p

[Mark C]

rum w/a shot of rum. :D

That's the best way to have it!

[replicant_argent]

I still stop in liquor stores I have never been in when traveling around town for work. I imagine they think I am some kind of whackjob when I go to the rum section, scan the top row, and look like someone killed my dog and dejectedly walk out.

[BC-Axeman]

I still stop in liquor stores I have never been in when traveling around town for work. I imagine they think I am some kind of whackjob when I go to the rum section, scan the top row, and look like someone killed my dog and dejectedly walk out.
Me too.:tpd:

[Wanger]

I still stop in liquor stores I have never been in when traveling around town for work. I imagine they think I am some kind of whackjob when I go to the rum section, scan the top row, and look like someone killed my dog and dejectedly walk out.

Same here, Pete

[MindRiot]

I love Zaya, the new and old blend

[Powers]

had some Zaya just they other day herfing w/s0lefulone....awesome!

i'm more of a scotch and bourbon guy w/my cigars but the Zaya was pure bliss

[SvilleKid]

Grabbed my first bottle two days ago. Trinidad version, Gran Reserva 12 year old. Sipping some of this right now. Good stuff!

[Bill86]

Zaya is fantastic, I still prefer the Ron Zacapa 23 year. But still definitely love me some Zaya, killed a few bottles for sure. By few I mean probably a good 4-5 or so. Congrats for jumping on the Zaya boat Cliff! :tu

[hova45]

update:

the girlfriend has become the wife now....lol Zacapa has replaced Zaya! Going on 14 years married now!

ps- I hope most of you fellas are doing we'll.

[Axeman]

Zaya used to be my favorite liquor until they changed their country and recipe. It's still good but it used to be outstanding. Zacapa 23 has gotten out of my budget range. Diplomatico is a good replacement for the old Zaya for me.

[shark]

I've been known to enjoy a few fingers of Zaya, matter of fact I might have to look for some. Also some Zacapa, never tried that one.

[hova45]

Zaya used to be my favorite liquor until they changed their country and recipe. It's still good but it used to be outstanding. Zacapa 23 has gotten out of my budget range. Diplomatico is a good replacement for the old Zaya for me.

Duty free is the best place to get zacapa, 1 liter is 42 dollars.

[icehog3]

Zaya used to be my favorite liquor until they changed their country and recipe. It's still good but it used to be outstanding. Zacapa 23 has gotten out of my budget range. Diplomatico is a good replacement for the old Zaya for me.


Yup, that recipe change was disappointing. I agree with you though, Lance, Diplomatico is a good alternative.