Centenario International

Name: Centenario Fundacion 20 Reserva Especial
Brand: Centenario International
Rating: 7.7 (8 reviews)

Centenario Fundacion 20 Reserva Especial

(0.7l, 40%)

7.7/10 (35 votes)

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About
Details

It glistens like fine gemstones at sunset and drinks as smooth as satin.

Centenario International started as a Costa Rican Rum distiller more than 40 years ago. This Central American powerhouse has been making quality since day one and that has fueled huge growth. Today — as a division of the mega-corp Pernod Ricard — they produce a ton of jungle juice (Rum) under the Centenario brand along with Absolute Nikolai Vodkas, Chivas Regal Whisky, Martel Cognac, Gran patron Tequila Burnett’s Gin, Hpnotiq Liqueur, and a bunch of other things. Basically, they are one of the most prolific divisions and stock a good portion of the worlds liquor shelves worldwide. But it all started with premium Rum.

We’ve said it before and we will say it again… when premium Rum is aged in the tropics for a LONG time, it turns red. Well, not “red” as in “garish Vegas neon red.” More like, “garnet gemstones have been somehow magically dissolved into the spirit at sunset” kind of red. Centenario Fundacion 20 YO Reserva Especial is just that kind of red. Perfecto.

And something else about really old Rum… it gets oh-so-smooth. The transformation of Rum is far more dramatic than most other spirits. Fresh “white” Rum is un-aged and can drink like diluted Riccola throat lozenges. But by the time the best Rums get to 20 long years resting in oak at the high humidities of the tropics, what comes out of the cask is altogether different. Seriously… give this one a try.

Flavour Spiral™

About The Flavour Spiral

caramel

tobacco

nutty

ripe banana

rose

pecan

pralines

custard

maple

What does Centenario Fundacion 20 Reserva Especial taste like?

The Flavour Spiral™ shows the most common flavours that you'll taste in Centenario Fundacion 20 Reserva Especial and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.

We invented Flavour Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.

Dog Dogson's

Smartass
Corner

Rum (usually) comes from molasses; the sweet and syrupy residue left behind after sugar crystals are extracted from sugar cane juice. Molasses is over 50% sugar, but it also contains significant amounts of minerals and other trace elements, which can contribute to the final flavour.

Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color
Deep Rose Copper

Nose / Aroma / Smell
Ripe banana, caramel, and pecan pralines

Flavor / Taste / Palate
Custard and maple with more roasted, spiced nuts, tobacco, and oak

Finish
A long, deep trip down a spiced toffee tunnel of love

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Ratings & Reviews

Member Reviews and Ratings of Centenario Fundacion 20 Reserva Especial

Charles, Jul 25, 2017

It was a great experience from the aroma from when you first pop the cork to the first sip in your mouth. I must say that I loved it best by itself without adding the coke to it.

Roy, May 4, 2017

Really smooth

Brett, Oct 26, 2016

It's certainly good, but not quite as good as other rums I've had. It's not quite as red as the image on the site portrays, and the flavor isn't quite fully developed, so there are still some harsh notes. Personally, I'd recommend the Zaya 12-year from Trinidad over this... cheaper and better, has a very slight red tint in the light, but otherwise retains the color of molasses. This is still pretty good, though.

Michael, Sep 21, 2016

Note that this has color added (and is solera, so only an unknown proportion is actually 20 years old).

Fredi, Sep 21, 2016

This is 20 year Solera, so vast majority of the rum is younger.