When it comes to finding a rum that is similar to Zacapa, there are a few options that I would highly recommend. Zacapa 23 is known for its smoothness, richness, and sweetness, so it's important to look for rums that possess these qualities as well.
One rum that comes to mind is the Centenario, particularly the 20 or 30-year expressions. Like Zacapa, Centenario is a solera rum, which means it is aged using a fractional blending system that imparts a consistent and complex flavor profile. The Centenario rums are known for their smoothness and depth of flavor, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruits that are reminiscent of Zacapa 23.
Another rum that you may enjoy is the Santa Teresa 1796. This Venezuelan rum is made using a unique blend of aged rums, including some that have been aged in ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a smooth and velvety rum with a rich and complex flavor profile. Like Zacapa, Santa Teresa 1796 has a sweetness to it, with notes of honey, toffee, and dark chocolate. It is a truly enjoyable sipping rum that I think you would appreciate.
If you're open to trying rums from different regions, you might also enjoy the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. Hailing from Venezuela, this rum is aged for up to 12 years and boasts a rich and full-bodied flavor profile. It is known for its smoothness and sweetness, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and dark fruits. Much like Zacapa 23, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is a crowd-pleaser and a great choice for those who enjoy a sweeter rum.
Lastly, I would suggest exploring rums from Barbados, particularly those from the Foursquare distillery. Foursquare is known for producing high-quality rums that are rich, complex, and exceptionally smooth. Their Doorly's XO is a fantastic option that shares some similarities with Zacapa 23. It has a smooth and velvety mouthfeel, with notes of caramel, dried fruits, and a hint of spice. It is a well-balanced rum that is sure to please any Zacapa lover.
If you're a fan of Zacapa 23 and its sweet and smooth profile, I highly recommend exploring rums such as the Centenario 20 or 30 years, Santa Teresa 1796, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, and Doorly's XO from Foursquare. These rums offer a similar level of richness, complexity, and sweetness that are sure to satisfy your palate. Cheers to your rum exploration!