A stellar range of Mexican (yes, Mexican) rums named after the valiant Mexican fighters during the Mexican Revolution. The Villanueva family are 3rd generation of rum producers who hone their skills in the town of Cordoba, on Mexico's coastal province of Veracruz. Veracruz has been famous for its high quality sugar cane plantations since the sixteenth century when the grass was first introduced to the America's by the Spanish. Los Valientes 20 year old is a blend of 70% pot-distilled rum from sugar cane juice (rhum agricole) and 30% colum-distilled molasses rum, charcoal filtered before being aged 20 years in white oak casks. Each bottle is hand numbered and hand signed. Nose: Molasses and treacle, rancio, cocoa and toasted oak. Palate: Earthy nuttiness with marzipan, dark chocolate with exotic spices to finish.

What started in the early part of the 20th century as an effort by a handful of enthusiastic entrepreneurs has evolved into a prosperous corporation with international recognition. Today the 'La Nacional' company has an extensive line of products which account for 98% of the domestic spirits market in Guatemala. In addition to its comprehensive line of 'Botran' rums, La Nacional also produces 'Ron Zacapa Centenario'. This exceptional bottling contains a blend of rums from 6 to 23 years old and is an exemplary example of the spirit and a must for any serious rum drinker's collection.

Tasting note: Amber gold. Gently warming aromas of vanilla wafer, crème caramel, pineapple pudding and honey with a delicate lift, following through to a light to medium bodied, cream-textured rum suggesting flavours of caramelised fruits, tea biscuits, gentle spice and trace molasses to finish. Sweet, smooth sipping. 40% Alc./Vol.