Aged rum born from the tropical climate of Panama might be the most delicious panacea to the intense heat of the season. It’s no surprise that August has been designated National Rum Month with the 16th as National Rum Day. Below, you’ll find three ways to enjoy the aged rums of Ron Abuelo that will help make the most of summer’s steamy weather: (1) in a perfect serve (2) mixed into a refreshing cocktail and (3) paired with sweet or savory food.

1)        IN A PERFECT SERVE:
A ‘Perfect Serve’ is the middle point between a cocktail and neat spirit. This preparation intensifies the rum’s profile without being invasive by highlighting the flavors and any subtle or hidden aromas.

           RON ABUELO TWO OAKS XII AÑOS PERECT SERVE

1. Spray a tumbler with peated Islay whisky
2. Pour 2 oz. of Two Oaks into A glass with ice
3. Float 2 coffee beans and an orange peel

Ron Abuelo Global Brand Ambassador Cristóbal Srokowski says, “A ‘Perfect Serve’ is another way to serve spirits – it is generally a straight or on the rocks serve of the spirit paired with a delicate additive such as spices, fruits or gastronomic perfumes that help intensify the spirit profile.”

2)        MIXED IN A COCKTAIL:

THE GLORIOUS
Created by Cristobal Srokowski, Ron Abuelo Global Brand Ambassador

1 1/2 oz. Ron Abuelo 12 Años

3/4 oz. Fresh lime juice

3/4 oz. Simple syrup

4 Dashes  Angostura bitters

8-10 Fresh mint leaves

Top off with Champagne or dry sparkling wine, chilled

Shake and double strain ingredients into a coupette or large flute. Top off with chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine, stir gently and garnish with an orange peel and/or fresh sprig of mint.

When it comes to creating cocktails for aged rums, Cristóbal says, “We never want to hide the spirit’s character, we strive to create recipes that offer an opportunity for our rums to show off their aromatics and unique taste profile, both of which have been cultivated in the tropical climate of Panama for years by the Varela family. We deliberately choose ingredients and techniques that complement Ron Abuelo’s unique personality.”

3)        PAIRED WITH FOOD:
While great rum can be enjoyed many ways, pairing aged rums with food brings forth another dimension of flavor, heightening enjoyment with each sip and bite.

Ron Abuelo XV Años Finish Collection Oloroso (Selección Especial): Ron Abuelo’s Spanish adventure is finished in Oloroso sherry casks. Balanced and structured with layered aromas of wood and citrus that highlight notes of saline and minerality. SRP: $75/750ml.

• Savory Pairing: Raw seafood such as salmon or tuna tartare
• Sweet Pairing:  Dark chocolate with sea salt

To find the best pairings, numerous tastings took place with chefs and friends in the gastronomy sector. Cristóbal explains, “We wanted to offer a new perspective in rum tasting, one that connected palates from Panama to Europe through a gastronomical experience that pairs our spirits with a range of foods from traditional sweet options such as dessert and chocolate, but also savory and perhaps surprising food pairings as well.”