E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Rum

Here is a detailed article about E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Rum, covering what it is, its production, what people commonly ask about it (with answers), tasting notes, market position, and a conclusion. I try to pull together everything I found; there are some uncertainties, which I’ll note. If you want, I can also make a shorter summary or comparison later.

E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Rum — Overview

“E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario” is a premium rum from the Dominican Republic, created in partnership between La Aurora (a cigar maker) and Ron Barceló. It was first released in 2013 to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the La Aurora cigar factory. The idea was to produce a rum that pairs exceptionally well with premium cigars — in effect, a rum made especially for cigar aficionados. (Cigar Journal)

Here are the key facts:

Also: It has won several awards. Among them: Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; 97 points from the Beverage Testing Institute; “Rum of the Year 2022” by USA Spirits Ratings; 2025 Gold medal and “Dominican Rum of the Year” at the London Spirits Competition. (La Aurora Cigars)

What People Also Ask (FAQs) & Answers

Here are questions people often search for about this rum, with what I found as answers.

1. What does “110 Aniversario” mean?

• It refers to the 110th anniversary of the La Aurora cigar factory, which was founded in 1903. The rum was released in 2013 to mark that milestone. (Plumeberg)

2. How old is E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario?

• The rum has a 10‑year age statement. That is, it has been aged for 10 years total (with time in different oak barrels). (Cigar Journal)

3. What is the barrel / oak process?

• First 8 years in virgin American white oak barrels. (La Aurora Cigars)
• Final 2 years in virgin French oak barrels / French oak tuns. This gives “roundness and homogeneity” to the rum. (La Aurora Cigars)
• Some sources mention finishing / influence from Sherry (or barrels that had Sherry or French oak with Sherry seasoning) or French oak “after” aging/potential finishing. (Humo y Tabaco)

4. What is its ABV / alcohol strength?

• Bottled at 40% ABV in many markets. (Jensens Liquors)
• Some variants may have 37.5% ABV in the Dominican Republic (local markets) according to certain sources. (Humo y Tabaco)

5. How many bottles are produced? Is it rare?

• Only ~3,000 numbered bottles produced annually. (CigarSnob)
• It is limited edition, especially intended as collectible / luxury rum, especially for cigar pairing. (Barrel Burner Reviews)

6. What does it taste like? What are the tasting notes?

Here is what’s commonly described:

• Aroma / Nose: Toffee, caramel, roasted almonds; coffee with sweetened condensed milk; vanilla; wood; later developing sherry or French oak / floral or fruity hints. (Plumeberg)
• Palate / Taste: Spicy sweetness; bitter almonds; strong brewed coffee; balanced wood tones; caramel, butterscotch; molasses; red fruits; dark chocolate; baking spice. Some citrus peel or candied fruit in some reports. (Jensens Liquors)
• Finish: Warm, long, smooth; notes of tobacco (especially when paired with cigar), oak, sweet caramel / toffee, perhaps some smoky or woody spice. Floral / spicy / sweetish finish. (CigarSnob)

7. How is it aged / matured?

• As above, 10 total years: 8 years in American white oak, 2 years in French oak. The French oak finishing (or final maturation) gives roundness, refinement. (La Aurora Cigars)

8. What is its packaging like?

• It is a luxury/limited edition bottle. Bottles are numbered; part of a high‑end presentation with La Aurora branding. Designed to pair visually and thematically with cigars. (Cigar Journal)

9. Is it good with cigars?

• Yes: It was explicitly made to pair with premium cigars, especially La Aurora cigars. Many reviewers comment that the flavors (wood, tobacco, sweet notes) work well when drinking while smoking. (Cigar Journal)

10. What awards has it won?

• Double Gold Medal at San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020) (CigarSnob)
• 97 points from Beverage Testing Institute. (La Aurora Cigars)
• USA Spirits Ratings: “Rum of the Year 2022” + Gold + 94 points. (USA Spirits Ratings)
• Named Dominican Rum of the Year 2025 at the London Spirits Competition (Gold Medal). (La Aurora Cigars)

11. What is the color / appearance?

• Amber with copper tones; bright, crystalline appearance. Darker than fresh rums, but not extremely dark; wood ageing gives a rich golden / deep amber color. (mujrumshop.cz)

12. Is it sweet? Does it have added sugar?

• Many reviews mention noticeable sweetness: caramel, toffee, molasses, honey, sometimes red fruit jam, etc. (Humo y Tabaco)
• However, I found no reliable source confirming that sugar is added as a sweetener. The sweetness seems to be from barrel ageing, wood, molasses base, and natural rum profile. Some feel it leans toward “Dominican sweetness,” but whether that equals “added sugar” is debated. (Humo y Tabaco)

13. What is its value / price?

• Price varies depending on country/import. Retailers list approx US$99‑130 in some U.S. shops. (Jensens Liquors)
• In some markets, higher. Also, limited supply pushes up price. (Craft Spirits Exchange)

Production & Technical Aspects

To deepen understanding, here are production / technical notes, including what is known and what is less clear.

• Master Blender / Collaboration: The rum is produced in collaboration with Ron Barceló (a well known Dominican rum house) and La Aurora cigars. Manuel Ynoa is mentioned as involved in the blending process. (CigarSnob)
• Raw materials: It is molasses made rum (Dominican style), though I found one source The Barrel Burner mentioning “Guarapo (Sugar Cane Juice)” vs Molasses – but this appears to be contested or uncertain. Most listings say molasses, which is standard for Dominican aged rum. (Barrel Burner Reviews)
• Oak / Barrel specifics:
  • American white oak, virgin (i.e. new, not previously used), for 8 years. (La Aurora Cigars)
  • French oak (virgin) for final 2 years. Some sources say French oak “tuns” (a tun is a large vat) (Barrel Burner Reviews)
• Size / Bottling:
  • 750ml bottles in many markets. (Jensens Liquors)
  • 3,000 numbered bottles per year. Limited production. (CigarSnob)
• ABV:
  • Standard export version is 40% ABV. (Cigar Journal)
  • Some local versions possibly at lower ABV (37.5%) in Dominican Republic. (Humo y Tabaco)

Tasting Profile — Detailed

Combining various reviews and user feedback, here is an illustrated sensory walkthrough of E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario.

Appearance

• Rich amber / amber‑copper color, with depth. Reflects significant wood contact while still retaining clarity. Bright in good light. Slight reddish / golden highlights. (mujrumshop.cz)

Nose (Aroma)

When first nosed, one will typically notice:

• Caramel, toffee, brown sugar richness. (Zigarrenversand)
• Vanilla notes, medium intensity. (Reddit)
• Roasted or toasted almonds; bitterness / nuttiness. (Plumeberg)
• Coffee / espresso tones, strong brew. Sweetened condensed milk in some descriptions. (Plumeberg)
• Wood & oak, especially the American oak influence. Some subtle French oak or Sherry / oak finishing influence. Possibly hints of floral or fruity (red fruits, fig, cherry) in the nose. (Zigarrenversand)

Palate (Taste)

Upon sipping, flavors often described include:

• Sweetness: rich molasses‑like sweetness; caramel; toffee; butterscotch. (Reddit)
• Bitterness / bitter almond / roasted nuts. (Plumeberg)
• Coffee, dark roasted / espresso kind of element. Cocoa or chocolate in some reports. (Zigarrenversand)
• Wood / oak spice: cedar, oak tannins; the French oak finish adds roundness and baking spice. Some notes of vanilla and maybe some floral dimension. (Barrel Burner Reviews)
• Fruit: red fruit, maybe cherry, plum; candied orange peel, peach marmalade in some reviews. Good complexity of fruit and sweet‑wood balance. (Reddit)

Finish

• Warm and lingering; finish carries wood, sweetness (caramel, toffee), some spice (clove, perhaps), perhaps a tobacco / cigar note when paired. (CigarSnob)
• The finish is often described as “rich and complex,” with sweet, spicy, floral notes. Good balance. (La Aurora Cigars)

Market Position & Awards

E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario is positioned in the ultra‑premium / luxury rum segment, particularly with a target market of cigar smokers and collectors.

• Awards & Recognition:
  • 97 points from the Beverage Testing Institute. (La Aurora Cigars)
  • Double Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020). (CigarSnob)
  • Rum of the Year 2022 at USA Spirits Ratings; Gold + 94 points. (USA Spirits Ratings)
  • Gold Medal and “Dominican Rum of the Year 2025” at the London Spirits Competition. (La Aurora Cigars)
• Target audience:
  • Cigar smokers / aficionados, especially La Aurora cigars: the rum was created to complement cigars. (Cigar Journal)
  • Collectors who want limited edition bottlings. Numbered bottles, limited production. (CigarSnob)
• Pricing:
  • Retail price varies: $100‑130 USD in many U.S. retailers. (Jensens Liquors)
  • In some markets more expensive due to import / scarcity. Over time, limited bottles tend to rise in value. (CaskCartel.com)

Strengths & Criticisms

Here are what seem to be the strong points and some of the criticisms or drawbacks that people mention.

Strengths

1. Well‑crafted aging regimen: The use of American oak followed by French oak for finishing adds layers of flavor, structure, balance. The 10‑year age delivers more depth than many younger rums.
2. Flavor complexity: Toffee, caramel, nutty, wood / oak spice, fruit, coffee, etc., delivering more than just sweetness. Many reviews praise its aroma and taste as rich and satisfying.
3. Designed for pairing: For those who enjoy cigars, this rum was made with that in mind, so its flavor profile works well alongside smoke, tobacco, etc.
4. Limited production / collectability: Numbered bottles, limited release, good awards, strong presentation all contribute to its appeal.
5. Recognized quality: Awards and rating scores (BTI, SFWSC etc.) validate that it is more than just marketing.

Criticisms / Considerations

1. Sweetness: Some reviewers say it is quite sweet — occasionally bordering on being too sweet, or giving the impression of “sugariness” or heavy candy / dessert notes. For those who prefer dry or more restrained rums, this might be a downside. (Humo y Tabaco)
2. ABV is moderate: At 40%, while good for many, it lacks some punch for those who like higher strength rums or more aggressive or potent finish.
3. Finish / depth vs very high end rums: While excellent, some reviewers feel that for the price (especially in certain markets), it does not always deliver more than other aged rums that may cost less or offer different style.
4. Availability / price inflation: Because it’s limited, when supply is low, prices float upward. Some community reviews complain that the price in their market is “too high” relative to what the rum gives, though many think it still offers good value among premium rums. (RumX)
5. Sweetness perception may vary: Some feel certain batches may emphasize the sweeter / dessert profile more than others; there may be slight bottle‑to‑bottle variation. Also, some think that in certain pairings or warm climates, the sweetness becomes more pronounced.

Things That Are Less Clear or Debated

Besides the confirmed facts, some things are sometimes claimed or speculated, but not always consistent or documented:

• Some reviews mention a “Sherry finish” or “Sherry cask influence” — whether actual ex‑Sherry barrels were used, or whether French oak tuned with Sherry seasoning, or simply French oak finishing that gives similar flavors. The official statements emphasize French oak barrels/tuns, but less clear about Sherry casks. (Humo y Tabaco)
• The exact breakdown of molasses vs sugar cane elements: some sources incorrectly describe it as using guarap/o sugar cane juice, but most sources denote it as molasses based. There is confusion in some reviews, but I found more credible sources confirming molasses. (Barrel Burner Reviews)
• Whether color adjustments are made: I did not find reliable sources confirming that coloring or sweeteners are added. Reviews mostly talk about natural sweetness from fruit / wood / molasses.
• Availability / variants in local vs export markets: Some market variants may have slight ABV differences or packaging differences. Also, price differences are significant depending on taxes / tariffs.

Tasting & Pairing: How to Enjoy It Best

Given its flavor profile and design, here are suggestions for maximizing enjoyment.

• Neat first: Drink neat to appreciate the wood, oak spice, sweet / roasted nut and caramel notes. Let it breathe a bit after pouring.
• Glass type: Use a snifter or Glencairn style glass to concentrate aroma; swirl gently.
• Add a drop of water: If the wood or oak feels too sharp, a few drops of water may open and soften it.
• Pair with cigars: Especially La Aurora cigars, as intended. Medium to full‑bodied cigars with tobacco, cedar, spice will match well. Smoke brings out dry oak and complements the rum’s sweetness. (Cigar Journal)
• Temperature: Room temperature; avoid ice if possible, as it can dull the wood / aroma. If desired, large cube “on the rocks” can be used but expect some dilution.
• Other pairings: Dark chocolate, nuts (almonds, roasted), desserts with caramel or toffee; possibly coffee or espresso. These match with the rum’s notes of coffee, vanilla, roasted nuts.

Comparison with Other Rums / Alternatives

To understand where E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario fits, here are how it stacks up against similar-aged Dominican or Caribbean rums, or other cigar‑pairing rums.

• Among Dominican aged rums, this one is fairly rare / premium. Many Dominican rums are younger or in lower price brackets. Compared with those, 110 Aniversario offers deeper wood aging, more complex finishing.
• Versus other premium “cigar‑pairing” rums: It is well designed for that niche (flavor profile, aroma, sweetness). Some other rums may go more smoky / funk / pot still or more overproof; this one leans on dessert / wood / spice rather than raw power.
• Versus rums of similar age (10 years) from other origins (e.g. Jamaica, Barbados, etc.): Differences will come in ester / funk levels (typical in Jamaican pot stills) vs the smoother, sweeter, wood‑influenced style in this rum. If you prefer very fruity ester bombs, this one is more subtle.
• Price vs prestige: When compared to similarly aged rums with high awards, this one often matches or exceeds in awards, but sometimes the price is higher in markets because of branding and limitation.

What People Also Ask (Additional Questions)

Here are further questions that show up, plus their answers:

• Is E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario good as a daily rum or more for special occasions?

  Answer: More for special occasions, sipping, and pairing with cigars rather than daily mixing or casual drinking. Limited production and premium pricing make it better as a bottle to savor. Some users do enjoy it occasionally, but many reserve it for evenings or when pairing.

• Does the rum taste “sherry‑like”?

  Answer: Some reviews say yes — there are sherry‐influenced notes (dried fruit, red fruits, deeper oak/spice), possibly from French oak finishing or perhaps barrels that previously held sherry seasoning. However, whether actual Sherry casks were used is not fully confirmed in all sources. The French oak tuns finishing seems official. So the “sherry‑like” flavors are plausible.

• Is it over‑sweet / syrupy?

  Answer: Opinions vary. Some say the sweetness is rich but balanced; others say it leans towards being dessert‑style sweet (toffee, caramel, molasses, sugary notes). But many agree that it’s not cloying or artificially sweet; the sweetness feels integrated rather than purely saccharine.

• How long is the finish / is it lingering?

  Answer: Most reviews say the finish is long, warm, with lingering oak / sweet / spicy notes. Some user reviews say the finish fades more quickly than they expect for its cost—but broadly the consensus is that it’s a good finish.

• Is this rum only good with cigars?

  Answer: While it shines with cigars (its design intent), it is also drinkable neat, enjoyed for its flavor complexity alone. Pairing with food (dessert, dark chocolate, nuts, etc.) also works. Some may find pairing with strong cigars especially rewarding because the smoke and tobacco elements bring out wood and spice in rum.

Potential Weaknesses / Fixes / Trade‑Offs

• Because of its sweetness, some may find that the dessert / sweet notes dominate over dry components. If you prefer more austere, woody, or high‑ester rums, this may not align fully.
• 40% ABV is moderate; while good for many, serious rum aficionados who prefer stronger ABV / overproof may feel it lacks punch.
• Price in some markets seems inflated due to scarcity; in such cases, what you pay is as much for packaging / novelty / collectability as for the liquid.
• If bottle is stored badly or in heat, wood/vanilla may get overly emphasized and mask more subtle fruit or spice notes.

Conclusion

E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Rum is a thoughtfully crafted premium rum from the Dominican Republic, made in collaboration with La Aurora cigars, with a clear intent: to create a rum that excels when paired with cigars, while also standing on its own as a sipping rum of character.

Its strengths include:

• A well‑balanced aging process (8 years American oak + 2 years French oak) giving both power and refinement.
• Rich flavor complexity: caramel, toffee, roasted nuts, coffee, oak spice, some fruit, floral/sweet wood notes.
• Strong presentation and collectibility: numbered bottles, limited production, awards, cigar pairing identity.
• Good recognition in competitions, which supports the claim of quality rather than mere branding.

Its trade‑offs are:

• Some sweetness may be more than some prefer. It may lean toward “dessert rum” rather than very dry styles.
• Moderate ABV; not for those wanting very heavy rubber / ester bombs or high proof intensity.
• Pricing in certain markets may feel high; value depends on what you personally prioritize (prestige, flavor, pairing, etc.).

Is It Worth It?

If I were evaluating whether to buy a bottle, I’d say yes — if you enjoy aged rums, sweet / wood / dessert‑style flavor, and especially if you enjoy cigars or want a rum that pairs well with smoke/tobacco. It is not just a gimmick: the reviews and awards indicate real quality.

If your taste leans toward more austere oak, higher strength, or estery funk, you might want to try it before buying. Also check price; if the price is significantly above typical for similarly aged rums in your market, ensure you value the presentation or pairing aspect.