Ron Abuelo is produced by Varela Hermanos, Panama's oldest rum producer, established in 1908 in the Herrera Province. The XII Two Oaks expression takes rum aged for twelve years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and finishes it in a second type of oak cask — in this case, Spanish sherry butts — for an additional period. The result is a rum of dual character: the bourbon cask's vanilla and caramel sweetness layered with the sherry cask's dried fruit richness.
Panama's warm climate ensures that twelve years here is a serious investment of time and spirit. The angel's share is significant, and what remains after a dozen years is concentrated and intensely flavoured. The secondary maturation in sherry casks adds complexity without overwhelming the foundational character — a delicate balancing act that Varela Hermanos executes with considerable skill.
On the Nose
The nose is layered and inviting. The bourbon cask contribution is immediately evident — vanilla, butterscotch, and a gentle caramel sweetness. Then the sherry influence arrives: dried fruit, raisin, fig, and a hint of dark cherry. Oak spice provides warmth — cinnamon and allspice — while a subtle honey note ties everything together. There is a tropical quality, banana and coconut, that marks this as Caribbean-aged, and a faint floral note that adds elegance.
The Palate
On the palate, Ron Abuelo XII is smooth and harmonious. The entry is warm and sweet — caramel and vanilla from the bourbon cask — before the sherry influence asserts itself mid-palate with dried fruit, raisin, and a nutty quality. The oak tannins from both casks provide excellent structure, with a pleasant drying quality that balances the sweetness. Dark chocolate appears alongside coffee on the mid-palate, adding depth. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and velvety at 40% ABV, with a richness that the dual maturation enhances.
The Finish
The finish is long and warming, with the sherry-derived dried fruit lingering alongside the bourbon cask's vanilla. Cinnamon and allspice provide spice warmth, while a gentle coffee bitterness adds complexity. The closing note is one of dark honey and oak — satisfying and complete.
Ron Abuelo XII Two Oaks is a fine after-dinner rum, best enjoyed neat or with a single cube of ice. The dual-cask maturation creates a complexity that rewards slow, contemplative sipping. For those who enjoy the dried fruit richness of sherry-matured spirits but also appreciate the vanilla sweetness of bourbon-cask aging, this rum offers the best of both worlds at a very reasonable price point.
