I thought I’d take advantage of the last hurrah at Tiny Tipple & try out a trio of aged rums.
With the news global rum brand Bacardi are proposing to takeover Dublin whiskey distillery Teelings as well as rum now outselling whiskey in the UK – it seems a topical time to sample this trio.
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, 40%, Venezuela
Diplomatico are quite big hitters in the rum world – despite a reputation for added sugar – & are generally easily available.
Out of the 3 rums Diplomatico does come out the darkest shade of golden brown giving the nose a suitable dark, rich & sweet aroma of muscovado sugar.
Very smooth, sweet & easy on the palate.
Develops a rich & complex depth on the rear finishing with a touch of tannic spice.
A very peasant easy sipper.
Appleton Estate Reserve Blend, 40%, Jamaica
This is a non-age statement – NAS – release that previously proudly displayed an 8. Whether this is due to an increase in sales depleting stocks or simply a way for the distillery to utilise a broader array of rums for the blend I don’t know. Not having tried the 8yo I can only go on what is before me.
The palest light brown of the trio.
Soft hints of funk on the nose – I’d be disappointed if I hadn’t found funk in a Jamaican rum!
The palate didn’t give much away – smooth, easy & fresh.
A flourishing finalé of engaging spiciness interspersed with juicy fruitiness lifted the drinking experience.
Nice!
Flor De Cana 18 Year Old, 40%. Nicaragua.
I’ve not tried any Flor De Cana before – so this big 18yo age statement carrier is a bit of a leap into their Ultra Premium Collection.
Light brown colour.
Quite a shy nose only giving away a gentle fruity sweetness.
Found the palate a trifle non-descript & unforthcoming of flavour.
The long ageing in wood dominated the finish providing a drying tannic spiciness which tingled merrily away.
Left me a little underwhelmed.
Thoughts
These 3 rums can easily be appreciated by whiskey drinkers. All have been aged in wooden barrels – ex-bourbon are predominately used – although I must admit to finding the wood influence begins to dominate from the core rum flavours which can counterpose as an alternative to drinking whiskey.
All 3 demonstrate a rich sweetness not typically found in whiskey – with only the Appleton exhibiting a fruity funk – even if it was quite mild in this Reserve – giving it a lead above the other 2.
Perhaps my palate would have preferred the younger rums from these distilleries? They tend to showcase the flavours from the raw ingredients used to a higher degree.
Sláinte
Diplomatico webpage here.
Appleton Estate webpage here.
Flor De Cana webpage here.
Bottle images courtesy Celtic Whiskey Shop.
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