Tasting

How do you taste a rum from Motril? Start with the lightest and finish with the darkest. Ron Plata, the house's white rum, comes first, followed by Ron Pálido, the amber-colored tier above it. According to a report on a rum blog, Ron Montero bottles at 40% ABV.

The Gran Reserva is the rum for a quiet evening. One reviewer describes it with notes of toffee, chocolate, and cocoa, alongside tobacco and leather. This fits well with new oak casks and four solera tiers. The bottling released for the fiftieth anniversary bears the founder's name and is a special edition from the house.

The rum can be assessed in a nosing glass or a small tumbler. The nosing glass, as used for whisky, concentrates the aromas near the rim, while the tumbler presents them more openly. The rum should be at room temperature—chilling would mask its delicate aromas.

Neat or with water? A single drop of water opens up the aromas and softens the heat. At 40% ABV this isn't strictly necessary, but it's worth trying. First, nose with your mouth slightly open so the alcohol doesn't overpower you, then take a small sip and let it rest briefly on your palate.

It's worth comparing it to a second rum from another region in this journey, such as one from Jamaica. The contrast reveals just how far apart the styles are: the Costa Tropical offers smooth, rounded rum, while Jamaica delivers fruity, bold character. Anyone wondering how to properly drink rum neat will find the best practice in this comparison.