Ron Centenario from Costa Rica is not the most famous rum in the world, but among those who know it, it is deeply respected. The 25-year-old expression — Royal Centenario 25 — represents the peak of the range: long-aged, complex, built on Costa Rica’s rich molasses and the patience of two and a half decades in tropical oak.
Costa Rica and Rum
Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 — a decision enshrined in the constitution and still celebrated as a defining national choice. The country redirected military spending toward education and healthcare, and became one of Latin America’s most stable democracies. Ron Centenario carries this spirit in its identity: it is a rum from a country that chose peace over conflict, and the rum is named in honour of the centenary of that nation. There is a gentleness and warmth in the branding that reflects something real about the culture.
25 Years in Oak
At 25 years, Royal Centenario has moved well past youth into genuine complexity. The tropical climate means oak influence is faster and more intense than in cooler climates — 25 years in Costa Rica produces something richer and more evolved than many 25-year-old rums from elsewhere. Dried fruit, vanilla, leather, a deep caramel and a long, warming finish.
Mika’s Perspective
Royal Centenario 25 is a bottle for guests who want to explore aged rum from outside the Caribbean mainstream. The peace connection adds a layer of context that makes tasting it more meaningful — a rum from a country that chose a different path. Available at Bar Little Happiness. Read the original Japanese column: https://little-happiness.jp/columns/royal-centenario-25/
Bar Little Happiness | Hiroshima, Japan
Rum & Whisky specialists | 1,000+ bottles | English menu available
Open Mon–Sat 7PM–12:30AM, Sun 7PM–midnight
No cover charge. Walk-ins welcome.
english.little-happiness.jp