PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Ron Centenario carries a genuinely distinctive point of provenance behind its production: the Fanal Distillery, Costa Rica's national, state-supervised distillery, sits at over 1,200 meters altitude, in a barren mountain landscape shaped by volcanic soil. That high-altitude aging environment plays a direct role in shaping the rum's character — thinner air and cooler temperatures slow the interaction between spirit and wood, distinguishing this expression from the more typical lowland-aged Caribbean rums most drinkers are familiar with. Founded in 1985 and named after a famous racehorse, Ron Centenario has become a genuine symbol of quality and tradition throughout Latin America, with Master Blender Doña Susana Masis overseeing a range that spans from a youthful 7-year to an ultra-rare 30-year expression.
Conmemorativo, the 9-year in that lineup, is distilled from fermented Costa Rican sugarcane molasses in continuous column stills, then aged up to nine years in white American oak casks — genuinely representing a true age statement, since Centenario's older 20, 25, and 30-year expressions instead use the solera method, where the stated age reflects only the oldest spirit blended into the final bottle. Drier and more assertive than the brand's 7-year sibling, Conmemorativo shows genuine depth for its price point.
Drinkhacker's independent review awarded a B+, finding that "two extra years make a modest difference here, namely in the body, which is stronger and more pungent, with a slightly winey character," noting "more coconut and an emerging chocolate note arise to complement the vanilla at the rum's core, leading to a sharper finish that hints at sherry." The Liquor Barn's tasting describes the nose opening "with sweet honey and caramel, followed by expressive notes of raisins and warm spices," with "a subtle fruitiness" lingering "beneath, suggesting dried stone fruit and a faint winey quality," the palate led "by citrus — lemon zest and lemon oil — alongside green banana." Sunset Corners' extended tasting adds "Bing cherries" and "baled hay" to that citrus-forward profile, alongside "caramel" and "maraschino liqueur," with "honey and a fruity hint of raisins" rounding things out. AgedCork's official tasting notes describe a fuller, richer character: "raisins, old leather, honey, butterscotch" on the nose, developing into "clove, white pepper, licorice" on the palate, closing with "cacao, toffee, pepper, coffee beans." This is genuinely quaffable, well-balanced Costa Rican rum — harmonious and full-bodied enough to enjoy neat, yet versatile enough to anchor a proper daiquiri.
Ron Centenario is produced at the Fanal Distillery, Costa Rica's national, state-supervised distillery — a structure similar to Cuba's Havana Club — ensuring consistent quality and authenticity. Founded in 1985 and named after a famous Costa Rican racehorse, the brand is overseen by Master Blender Doña Susana Masis. The distillery itself sits at over 1,200 meters altitude on volcanic soil, a high-altitude environment that slows the interaction between spirit and wood during aging.
Conmemorativo is distilled from high-quality Costa Rican sugarcane molasses in continuous column stills, then aged up to nine years in white American oak casks — a genuine age statement, distinct from the solera method used in Centenario's older 20, 25, and 30-year releases. Bottled at 40% ABV / 80 proof, 750ml.
Drinkhacker — B+:
"Two extra years make a modest difference here, namely in the body, which is stronger and more pungent, with a slightly winey character. That aside, more coconut and an emerging chocolate note arise to complement the vanilla at the rum's core, leading to a sharper finish that hints at sherry."
Nose
Full and inviting, with raisins, old leather, honey, and butterscotch, alongside sweet caramel and expressive warm spice, and a subtle winey, dried-stone-fruit quality from the high-altitude aging.
Palate
Citrus-forward, with lemon zest, lemon oil, and green banana leading, joined by Bing cherry, caramel, and maraschino liqueur, developing clove, white pepper, and licorice, with coconut and emerging chocolate rounding out the core vanilla character.
Finish
Short to medium, closing with cacao, toffee, pepper, and coffee bean, with a sharper edge hinting at sherry.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Aged Costa Rican Rum |
| ABV / Proof | 40% ABV / 80 Proof |
| Age | 9 Years (true age statement) |
| Base | Molasses, continuous column still |
| Maturation | White American oak casks |
| Altitude | Over 1,200 meters, volcanic soil |
| Distillery | Fanal Distillery — Costa Rica's national, state-supervised distillery |
| Brand Founded | 1985 |
| Master Blender | Doña Susana Masis |
| Critics | Drinkhacker: B+ |
| Sister Expressions | 7-year Añejo Especial, 12-year Gran Legado, 18/20/25/30-year solera releases |
| Style / Identity | A genuinely well-balanced, citrus-and-caramel-driven Costa Rican rum — high-altitude aging sets it apart from Caribbean rivals |
| Aromas & Flavors | Raisin, honey, butterscotch, clove, white pepper, licorice, citrus |
| Bottle Size | 700ml |
Daiquiri
2 oz Ron Centenario Conmemorativo · fresh lime juice · simple syrup.
Neat or Over Ice — genuinely harmonious and full-bodied enough for straightforward sipping.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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