Drink of the Week: Ron Carúpano 18 Reserva Limitada

Among the spirits every imbiber should have on hand is a premium rum for sipping and mixing. Produced by a family-owned distillery in Venezuela, Ron Carúpano rums benefit from an ideal microclimate, pure spring water, and 260 years of blending mastery. And the result is spirits that are truly distinctive. A standout among Ron Carúpano’s lineup is the 18 Reserva Limitada.

A two-time double gold award-winning rum in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the Ron Carúpano 18 Reserva Limitada is made from sugarcane and molasses and aged in American oak bourbon barrels, yielding aromas of candied fruit, wood, almonds, and honey, and lingering flavors of figs and chocolate.

“You’re not supposed to have a favorite child, but without a doubt, this rum holds a very special place in my heart.” —Carmen López de Bastidas

Like all Ron Carúpano rums, the 18 Reserva Limitada is blended by Carmen López de Bastidas, Venezuela’s first certified female master blender, who helps give Ron Carúpano rums their unique character. “I want my products to be mystical, magical, and balanced,” says López de Bastidas. “As time passes through the aging process, the tannic notes soften, and the rum becomes more feminine, more seductive. Ron Carupano 18 Reserva Limitada is one of my masterpieces. You’re not supposed to have a favorite child. But without a doubt, this rum holds a very special place in my heart.”

The 18 Reserva Limitada is excellent for sipping but also for mixing into contemporary and classic cocktails, like a bold twist on the Negroni Sbagliato (with a nod the Kingston Negroni). Head to roncarupano.passionspirits.com for more details on this singular rum.