Cruzan Rum is dropping its oldest aged rum and its first Island Reserve expression, a 13 12 months previous mix. It’s a correct stunner that may attraction to any bourbon drinker, particularly whenever you issue within the retail worth: $40. Working nicely neat or in a cocktail, it’s a restricted launch from this distillery on the Caribbean island of Saint Croix, and it packs layers of taste into every pour.
We obtained an early style of Island Reserve 13 12 months previous—and every particular person element—with Cruzan supervisor Cole McCreary, who assembled the mix. The purpose, in keeping with McCreary, is to precise the rum in one of the best ways potential, although the Kentucky native additionally famous that “creating one thing bourbon drinkers may sip on and luxuriate in” was a part of the consideration.
How Cruzan Blended Island Reserve 13 12 months previous
The ultimate mix consists of three bourbon barrel-aged elements of various ages: a 13 12 months previous (48%), 16 12 months previous (22%), and 20 12 months previous (30%). This ratio bested 17 different variations, the place McCreary toyed with incorporating an 8 12 months into the mix. “Finally, this mix gained,” he says.
Sipping every element, the 13 12 months previous inside the mix is cloyingly saccharine, particularly on the nostril and within the entrance of the palate. Typical tropical notes shine right here, heavy honey, a little bit caramel, some banana, and cherry. It’s a candy, simple, easy sip, vanishing off your palate as shortly because it arrives
Stepping as much as the 16 12 months previous element, the sweetness on the nostril is changed by heavy oak aromas, with extra vanilla. On the palate, the sugars are much less pronounced, too, however the complicated physique is a superbly meandering journey that takes you to a brand new taste every time you sip. Whereas extra tannic, it’s nonetheless a delight that Cruzan ought to take into account releasing as a single-year classic.
The 20 12 months previous presents supremely oak ahead, with heavy vanilla, and the hefty, oily liquid coats your mouth properly and permits for a chew. It’s off profile for what Cruzan would launch by itself, McCreary admits, however he included it within the remaining mix as a result of the supremely lengthy oaky end supplies an ideal ending.
What’s Cruzan Island Reserve 13 12 months previous Style Like?
In brief, one thing you’d need to sip on the seashore with a pleasant cigar in hand. The nostril is buttery tender and tremendous inviting, with notes of caramel, vanilla, banana, a little bit barrel char, and contemporary and dried purple fruits. The midweight liquid coats your palate nicely, with heavy vanilla, and a lightweight trace of cherry beginning within the again and transferring ahead. Advanced and balanced, it’s obtained the appropriate meld of sweetness from the 13 12 months previous, with a little bit island funk from the 16 12 months, and an intensive fruity cola end from the 20 12 months, together with the oak notes. And it punches above its 80-proof, so bourbonites shall be happy, whether or not you’re ingesting it neat or on the rocks. Total, it’s a tasty and enjoyable pour that you simply’d discover attention-grabbing every time you drink it.
Will There Be Future Cruzan Island Reserve Editions?
McCreary says there’s something like this within the works. However as a result of this can be a comparatively small, limited-edition providing—36,000 bottles will hit the U.S. solely—the Cruzan staff wants to verify it’s nicely obtained earlier than contemplating an encore. We doubt this 13 12 months previous can have any points hitting the bullseye.
