I have seen the light (Kind of a Zacapa 23 review)
 

After more than 15 years of trial and error (and error and error) I had come to the conclusion there were a handful of alcoholic beverages I preferred above all others. I'm not sure of the order of preference, but they were Whiskey (especially Scotch), Gin, Beer, Wine, Brandy/Cognac, and occasionally Tequila and Champagne. There are some drinks I dabble with outside of these, but for the straight flavor, that was it.

I can now add another.

Rum.

Recently, through this (sub)forum and a fortuitous last minute invitation to the Philadelphia Whiskey Festival I discovered high quality rums, specifically Zacapa 23. I am honestly shocked how much I enjoy this rum. It is like no other rum I have ever had...not even close (my rum experience prior to it had been very limited - Bacardi, Captain Morgan, etc.). The depth of flavors is outstanding...honey, vanilla, chocolate, fruit (cherries?), wood, all of which contribute to its complexity. I am soooo glad I decided to pick up a bottle.

And thanks to the contributors of the nice rums thread, there are a few more quality rums on my short list to try, including Zaya (not at my local liquor store), Santa Teresa 1796 (at my local liquor store) and a few others. If any of them are anywhere near as good as Zacapa 23, I will be a very happy man (but my liver may not be :)).

If your drink preferences are similar to mine, I highly recommend trying Zacapa 23. :tu

Re: I have seen the light (Kind of a Zacapa 23 rev
 

This is one of my favorite spirits. Good choice for an entry into the world of premium rum. Zaya and Santa Teresa are on my short list of must-buys, too.

Re: I have seen the light (Kind of a Zacapa 23 rev
 

Zacapa 23 and Centenario are my favorite rums by far, even over Cuban brands. They just seem to have something that no other rums offer. :tu

Re: I have seen the light (Kind of a Zacapa 23 rev
 

Zacapa 23 is a good replacement for the now long gone Guatemalan Zaya (:().