Whiskey collectors are inclined to give attention to single malts and bourbons. However in the event you’re constructing a severe assortment, it’s price wanting past whiskey. Some rums and cognacs provide the identical pedigree, ageing, and complexity.
These 4 standout bottles come from established producers with actual provenance. They every provide a definite story, a singular manufacturing methodology, and taste profiles that may rival something from Scotland or Kentucky. Whether or not you’re accumulating, gifting, or exploring one thing new, these bottles are price your consideration.
All of those bottles are actually accessible for buy on The Whiskey Wash Store with free U.S. transport.
HSE 1960 Grande Réserve (Martinique Rum)
BUY NOW: $1,585
This rum is shrouded in thriller, and that’s a part of its attraction. Formally, it was distilled in 1960 on the authentic Habitation Saint-Étienne distillery and left to age in oak barrels earlier than being offered together with the distillery’s warehouses within the Nineties. In accordance with HSE, the liquid was about 20 years previous when acquired by the brand new homeowners, who later licensed it underneath the AOC Martinique label.
What makes this bottle actually uncommon is its second maturation. Round 1998, the rum, already bottled years earlier, was unsealed, re-casked into third-fill French oak barrels, and left to “breathe” for an additional six years.
In accordance with durhum.com, there’s no official written file of a 1960 inventory at HSE, and a few business voices recommend the liquid could have initially come from Courville-branded rum. HSE has by no means totally clarified the origins, including to the intrigue.
Collectors prize it for each its historic context and style. Bottles have been launched in small numbers and are not often seen on the open market in the present day.
Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Black Label (Guatemala)
BUY NOW: $788
This particular version Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 12 months Outdated was made utilizing the solera methodology, a fractional mixing method extra acquainted to sherry than rum.
Produced from sugar cane honey and aged at 7,500 ft within the Guatemalan highlands, the cooler surroundings slows the growing older course of. The ensuing rum is clean, darkish, and wealthy with notes of caramel, raisin, and vanilla.
The unique Black Label bottles from the 2000s have gained cult standing. They’re particularly interesting to collectors who worth packaging and model historical past. It’s the form of bottle that alerts a second in time, Zacapa’s rise to international fame.
This explicit bottling comes offered in a hand-woven ‘petate’ made out of palm leaves.
Ron Zacapa Centenario XO 25 12 months Outdated (Guatemala)
BUY NOW: $1,048
Zacapa XO is a status expression from the identical home, designed to take a seat comfortably among the many world’s most interesting spirits. First launched within the early 2000s, it’s earned awards at main spirits competitions and stays a favourite amongst rum collectors. The decanter-style bottle provides shelf attraction and makes it a formidable present.
This explicit bottling was created in 2003 to commemorate he model’s Premio Platino award within the 2003 Worldwide Rum Competition. It was distilled in a column nonetheless after which completed in cognac casks, leading to a profile that boasts wealthy dried fruit, baking spice, darkish chocolate, and hints of citrus and nuts.
For whiskey followers who take pleasure in well-aged Speyside or sherried Highland malts, Zacapa XO presents an analogous expertise, with a tropical twist.
The present expression of Ron Zacapa XO is a mix of 10-25 yr previous rums aged in a Sistema Solera. You’ll find out extra concerning the rum right here.
Martell Cognac Further (France)
BUY NOW: $559
Martell is the oldest of the good cognac homes. This mix consists of eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne, matured within the Paradis cellar at Martell. This explicit cognac was doubtless bottled between the Nineties and 2000s.
The cognac shows layers of dried fruit, toasted almonds, and delicate rancio notes. It’s clean, elegant, and structured, qualities that attraction to whiskey drinkers used to older single malts.
For collectors, Martell Further presents a hyperlink to cognac’s previous whereas remaining related. It’s additionally a possibility to discover how age, terroir, and oak form taste in ways in which echo high-end scotch. Whether or not you drink it or show it, it’s a bottle with depth and stature.
Remaining Pour
You don’t must stray removed from whiskey to search out bottles price accumulating. These 4 spirits provide real depth, rarity, and attraction, whether or not you intend to open them or not.
In the event you’re trying to broaden your assortment with out compromising on requirements, begin right here.
