Drinking The World

Pampero Aniversario is 40% abv. / 80 proof and is a dark aged rum from Venezuela. It's sold in a squat, rounded bottle enclosed in a tan leather sack. It is deep brown in color with a hint of amber gold to it. I've had several rums from Venezuela, going back to when I spent some time there on the beautiful, off-coast islands of Los Roches, one of the most incredible scuba spots in the world. While there I spent my time skin diving, sea kayaking, fishing, learning how to cook fresh fish in over thirty ways from my new chef friends eager to meet an American chef, and most enjoyably learning to appreciate the fine rums. I may not like the countries politics, (my friends and I had our lives threatened in an vicious attack on our taxi, when we got caught in the overflowing pandemonium of a riot where the police responded with automatic weapons blazing) but they make some damn fine rum.

Pampero Aniversario is one of my favorite of the rums with a touch of sweetness, although it is more in the dryer than sweeter part of the spectrum. The aroma is rich and warm with caramel, vanilla, toasted nuts and spice. The flavor is rich and very smooth, warming to the soul, full of vanilla, spices, hints of chocolate, and the holiday taste of fresh baked gingerbread, with just a hint of sweetness to round it out.

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There is also a touch of wood adding to the body. It's not overly complex where you want to ponder over it, but there's this simple, warm, flavorful smoothness that will keep you coming back for more, and more.; sip after sip. I enjoy it straight up or on the rocks. While this is a fine sipping rum, but I'm not averse to using it to create a premium cocktail. I stirred some very well over ice, with a dash of Antica Formula sweet vermouth and two drops of Fee Brothers Whiskey barrel bitters, then strained it into a chilled cocktail glass. It made the most fabulous cocktail, full of complex herbal notes from the vermouth and bitters, balanced by the smooth and simple character of the rum.

Here's what my friend Matt, the Rum Dood, has to say. Ron Pampero Aniversario was the rum that rocked his world for the first time, and led him onto the spirituous path to enlightenment.