Review: Botran Solera 1893 and Reserva Rum (2010)
Botran Rum, aka Ron Botran or Casa Botran, hails from Guatemala and is distilled by the same outfit that makes the fantastic Ron Zacapa, Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala.
Located about a mile and a half above sea level, Botran’s rums are matured in a very cool warehouse compared to most of the industry, where the rum is made to sweat it out in tropical climes. Botran’s portfolio spans six rums. We tried two, the most noteworthy offerings available in the U.S.
Both are 80 proof.
Botran Solera 1893 – Botran didn’t start making rum until 1939, so don’t think you’re getting rum that’s over 100 years old here. But this solera-style spirit certainly does have some really old spirit in it, judging by the deep amber color and intense aroma of wood here. The flavor profile is classic for a quality anejo: Almonds, marshmallows, a touch of black cherry, and lots and lots of turbinado sugar. A little bitter on the finish, alas, but overall this is a really quality rum — and a real bargain at $30 a bottle. A- / $30
Botran Reserva (2010) – Quite a different rum than the Solera, with less body but even more sweetness. This anejo is blend of various rums from 5 to 14 years old, rich with tropical flavors — banana and coconut — plus a good slug of caramel character. There’s less overwhelming brown sugar character here than in the Solera, and the Reserva’s finish is exquisitely smooth. This is a real winner of a rum, and, like the Solera, also a truly impressive bargain. A / $24
Botran Reserva (2010)
$24
I was a Bell Heliocopter Technical Rep. for the Botran Heliocpter from 1993 till 2000.
Mrs Botran and her family were very compassionate for the indigenous population of Guatemala.
I was a good friend of her co-pilot Carlos.
I will be a loyal fan of the Botran Rum Product line for the rest of my life.