Panama 2004
Origin: Varela Hermanos Distillery, Panama
Vintage: February 2004
Raw material: molasses
Distillation: column still
Maturation: 12 years of tropical ageing in Panama in ex-Bourbon casks + 7 years of continental ageing in the UK in ex-rum casks. Single cask bottled in 2023
Bottles produced: 255
Bottle size: 70cl
ABV: 57.5% abv
Notes: No added flavours, colouring agents, sugar or other additives
Distillery
Varela Hermanos S. A. has a rich history dating back to 1908 when Don José Varela Blanco founded the Ingenio San Isidro, the first sugar mill in Panama’s newly formed Republic. Located in Pesé, the distillery began producing rum from molasses in 1936 at the urging of Don José’s three eldest sons. Today, the third generation oversees the 800-hectare estate and distillery, remaining one of the few rum producers to use molasses from their own cane. Varela Hermanos rums are by far the most popular in Panama.
Awards
The Rum & Cachca Masters Competition 2025
Panama 2004 was awarded a Master medal in the Dark Rum Aged Over 13 Years category. Single Cask Panama 2004 earned the highest praise. Its “vibrant colour, complex nose of oak, dried fruit, and more, leading to deep, spicy, ripe fruit” flavours left a lasting impression on the judges.
Vanilla and custard cream from the start, then fudge, liquorice roots, and an overriding fruit character of apricot and candied orange peel, combined with a touch of honey. Underneath, a touch of overripe banana plus a gentle spiciness of ground black pepper and a little balsamic note.
Flavours of vanilla, honey, and cigar box. Silky honey syrup sweetness blanched out by bitter sensations of ground coffee and liquorice. Dried peach, apricot, dried figs, and dates on the mid-palate, winter spices, a hint of leather and butterscotch on the finish.