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| Photograph copyright © H.Kristoffersen |
Two bizarre cousins and a moderately stoic uncle.
Not that way back DDL and El Dorado issued three single
cask, cask energy rums. The primary ever immediately from DDL, by DDL themselves.
This marked the start of an period, and across the rum world, whispering was
heard how DDL was now going to kill off the indie bottlers who has been issuing
bottle after bottle of continentally aged, cask energy Demeraras (and a
single one who issued tropically aged ones).
heard how DDL was now going to kill off the indie bottlers who has been issuing
bottle after bottle of continentally aged, cask energy Demeraras (and a
single one who issued tropically aged ones).
Fortunately the rum brokers nonetheless have there grubby fingers on a
lot of older Demerara casks, and due to this fact a whole lot of indie Demeraras are nonetheless popping up all over.
Now, Rum Nation is just not unknown within the sense of issuing
Demeraras.
Demeraras.
They’ve had their Demerara No. 14 for some years now,
and so they have additionally had an nearly annual launch of a 20+ yr previous Demerara.
and so they have additionally had an nearly annual launch of a 20+ yr previous Demerara.
However till just lately they haven’t been dealing in cask
energy rums, other than a few Caronis and a white Jamaican pot nonetheless
rum.
energy rums, other than a few Caronis and a white Jamaican pot nonetheless
rum.
Then they issued the Supreme Lord VIII – A gargantuan cask
energy Monymusk.
energy Monymusk.
And now they’re firing all weapons, and bringing a minimum of
three small batch cask energy rums to the market.
three small batch cask energy rums to the market.
As a result of they selected to challenge three Demeraras directly, I
thought it will be enjoyable to assault them in an analogous manner, that I did with the
three El Dorado Uncommon Assortment rums.
thought it will be enjoyable to assault them in an analogous manner, that I did with the
three El Dorado Uncommon Assortment rums.
Very like their Guyanese competitor, Rum Nation has chosen
to challenge three single nonetheless, single cask rums.
to challenge three single nonetheless, single cask rums.
1)
An 11 yr previous Diamond from 2005 bottled at 58,6%
ABV.
An 11 yr previous Diamond from 2005 bottled at 58,6%
ABV.
2)
A 14 yr previous Enmore from 2002 bottled at 56,8%
ABV.
A 14 yr previous Enmore from 2002 bottled at 56,8%
ABV.
3)
A 21 yr previous Port Mourant from 1995 bottled at 57,7%
ABV.
A 21 yr previous Port Mourant from 1995 bottled at 57,7%
ABV.
Sound good, doesn’t it. The 11 yr previous Diamond seems like
one thing I’ve seen 1,000,000 instances earlier than. However a 14 yr previous Enmore and
significantly the 21 yr previous Port Mourant are very, very fascinating.
one thing I’ve seen 1,000,000 instances earlier than. However a 14 yr previous Enmore and
significantly the 21 yr previous Port Mourant are very, very fascinating.
Nevertheless Diamond, Enmore and Port Mourant are to my information
probably the most generally indie bottled rums from Guyana, so nothing too particular right here.
probably the most generally indie bottled rums from Guyana, so nothing too particular right here.
Yeah, I do know, I’ve been tackling a whole lot of Rum Nation rums
currently. Nope, they didn’t pay me to do it. I similar to what they do, and so they
have issued a whole lot of very fascinating merchandise all of sudden lately. So,
that’s why.
currently. Nope, they didn’t pay me to do it. I similar to what they do, and so they
have issued a whole lot of very fascinating merchandise all of sudden lately. So,
that’s why.
Now shut up and skim on.
I solely have samples of those rums, so Google shall be
supplying the visible information for this paragraph.
supplying the visible information for this paragraph.
For this launch Rum Nation has performed one thing refreshing:
Chosen a brand new design. However not so vastly totally different, that it doesn’t nonetheless relate
to the common releases.
Chosen a brand new design. However not so vastly totally different, that it doesn’t nonetheless relate
to the common releases.
The bottle appears to be like very a lot the identical because the newer stubby
bottles, however with a barely extra ”techno” closure. Maybe it’s a glass
”cork”, maybe it’s artificial. I’ll need to ask Mr. Rossi about that after I
see him in October.
bottles, however with a barely extra ”techno” closure. Maybe it’s a glass
”cork”, maybe it’s artificial. I’ll need to ask Mr. Rossi about that after I
see him in October.
[EDIT]: A form reader defined to me, that the closure is a Vinolok glass thingie, which seals off the bottle utterly, offers off no style or odour, and lets you stack your rums sideways such as you would with wine. I am abruptly very excited by studying extra about these, and probably getting a bag of them to switch previous, damaged corks in my rum assortment.
For the primary time ever the bottles are available tubes. Beige
colored cardboard tubes. With steel lids.
colored cardboard tubes. With steel lids.
Other than the previous picket packing containers, this must be my favorite
Rum Nation packaging to date. Correct packaging simply provides that little additional.
Rum Nation packaging to date. Correct packaging simply provides that little additional.
The tube is embellished with typical Rum Nation kind graphics
and stamps – and a brand new label with all the precise info.
Following within the
tracks of CdI, Rum Nation is abruptly beginning to present all related information
proper there on the label. Nice information everybody! 12 months created, yr bottled, nonetheless used, origin, energy,
cask quantity and bottle quantity.
All in all, I just like the presentation very a lot! It appears
cleaner and extra crisp, than the common Rum Nation look.
cleaner and extra crisp, than the common Rum Nation look.
Diamond 2005
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| Picture courtesy of Rum Nation |
The well-known double column steel coffey nonetheless has currently been
a big favorite among the many indies. And for good cause I reckon. I’ve tried
a number of Diamonds alongside the way in which, and so they not often disappoint.
a big favorite among the many indies. And for good cause I reckon. I’ve tried
a number of Diamonds alongside the way in which, and so they not often disappoint.
The rum has a pleasant mahogany color. Contemplating its moderately
meagre 11 years of age, it appears darker than I might anticipate.
Contained in the glass it creates a pleasant seen layer of residue
when twirled. Nothing too thick, however a hoop is shortly made seen, and slowly
it morphs into small droplets, which descend slowly.
when twirled. Nothing too thick, however a hoop is shortly made seen, and slowly
it morphs into small droplets, which descend slowly.
The nostril comes off a bit skinny.
It does have some good Demerara notes, like large juicy raisins
and prunes blended with soaking moist, darkish wooden.
and prunes blended with soaking moist, darkish wooden.
There’s some recent grassy undertones, with a giant bag of
spices.
spices.
Principally cumin and cloves, but in addition a bit vanilla and
cinnamon.
cinnamon.
After which, probably the most shocking factor of all: an odd layer
of vodka.
of vodka.
It feels tremendous fishy, and I’ve by no means discovered that observe in a
rum earlier than, however that’s what it jogged my memory of. A slight sharpness and an
huge journey down reminiscence lane to my youth the place amount beat high quality at the least
two nights per week.
rum earlier than, however that’s what it jogged my memory of. A slight sharpness and an
huge journey down reminiscence lane to my youth the place amount beat high quality at the least
two nights per week.
Humorous nostril, however fortunately there was some traditional suspects.
Style
Getting in, a number of the notes from the nostril take the lead.
Huge, fats raisins and prunes, together with the cloves, cumin
and soaked wooden.
and soaked wooden.
And that sticks with you for fairly a while, earlier than it
opens as much as show some anise, a touch of vanilla and a giant stick of liquorice.
opens as much as show some anise, a touch of vanilla and a giant stick of liquorice.
It does have a sharpness to it, which really feel simply barely
managed. I’m not saying that it’s disagreeable, nevertheless it’s not very nice
both.
managed. I’m not saying that it’s disagreeable, nevertheless it’s not very nice
both.
May or not it’s the excessive energy? Maybe. However I’ve had many
excessive proof rums, which was higher managed.
excessive proof rums, which was higher managed.
It’s under no circumstances a foul rum. Not a all. It’s tasty, it’s
pleasing and it’s good enjoyable. It simply wants a bit knuckles earlier than it performs
good.
pleasing and it’s good enjoyable. It simply wants a bit knuckles earlier than it performs
good.
End
Nothing new happening, simply a whole lot of the identical previous at decrease
quantity.
quantity.
Because the fade kicks in, it feels increasingly pleasing because it
nears the top.
nears the top.
As if the undesirable parts fades faster than the
fascinating ones.
fascinating ones.
The vodka reference is bizarre. Tremendous bizarre. It doesn’t
destroy the expertise. Quite the opposite truly. Fortunately it tastes nothing
like vodka, so I’m not anxious concerning the high quality concerning the rum.
destroy the expertise. Quite the opposite truly. Fortunately it tastes nothing
like vodka, so I’m not anxious concerning the high quality concerning the rum.
Humorous nostril, good tasty and lengthy, nice end.
That is positively an fascinating rum.
Going for round €130 (if you’ll find it), it’s not the
most costly one. Nevertheless there will even be different indie Diamonds out there
within the value vary. Will or not it’s single cask? Not essentially. Will or not it’s cask
energy? In all probability not. However just a few could also be, and you need to be sure to test
them out as nicely.
most costly one. Nevertheless there will even be different indie Diamonds out there
within the value vary. Will or not it’s single cask? Not essentially. Will or not it’s cask
energy? In all probability not. However just a few could also be, and you need to be sure to test
them out as nicely.
This isn’t the very best Diamond I’ve had, so there could also be
higher alternate options on the market.
higher alternate options on the market.
Nevertheless, as this can be a good rum and certainly an fascinating
drink, it will get a…
drink, it will get a…
Enmore 2002
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|
Picture courtesy of Rum Nation |
One of the vital well-known Guyanese stills is the Enmore picket
coffey nonetheless. Often the supply of an indie rum or two and for my part
typically a giant case of hit and miss.
coffey nonetheless. Often the supply of an indie rum or two and for my part
typically a giant case of hit and miss.
Recently many of the Enmores I’ve encountered are big luggage
of pencil shavings, and nothing extra.
I’ve nevertheless met a really superior 2002 Enmore at whereas again,
which now rests on my shelf, and shall be adressed at a later time on the weblog.
which now rests on my shelf, and shall be adressed at a later time on the weblog.
Subsequently I’m wanting very a lot ahead to making an attempt this Rum
Nation Enmore 2002 as nicely.
Nation Enmore 2002 as nicely.
The place the Diamond was a darkish mahogany, the Enmore is a
bleached, soiled blond – nearly white – liquid. Twirling it yields acquainted
outcomes. Simple flowing, good droplets, blah, blah. The standard pure rum.
bleached, soiled blond – nearly white – liquid. Twirling it yields acquainted
outcomes. Simple flowing, good droplets, blah, blah. The standard pure rum.
Nostril
Okay. Pencils. Boatloads, however a bit restrained.
Once you sit down with it, and permit it to enthrall you,
there may be nonetheless one thing to be found.
there may be nonetheless one thing to be found.
Huge lime and lemon peels. This rum is large on citrus
notes.
notes.
And that’s virtually it. The sunshine woods and the citrus.
The Diamond had that unusual vodka observe.
This citrus a part of the Enmore jogs my memory closely of
lukewarm gin and Schweppes dry lemon. You realize, that half drink, late on the
social gathering the place it’s best to have left an hour in the past. The ice cubes are lengthy gong, and
you’ll be able to’t keep in mind whenever you had you final sip.
lukewarm gin and Schweppes dry lemon. You realize, that half drink, late on the
social gathering the place it’s best to have left an hour in the past. The ice cubes are lengthy gong, and
you’ll be able to’t keep in mind whenever you had you final sip.
By now you should be considering that I’m utterly off my
noodle. And for good cause.
noodle. And for good cause.
I do know it’s insanely arduous to consider, however I’m lifeless critical.
There’s not a lot range to the nostril of the Enmore, however
it’s fairly the fascinating fellow. There isn’t a off notes, and nothing that I
would moderately have performed with out. And the unusual notes introduced a smile to my
face.
it’s fairly the fascinating fellow. There isn’t a off notes, and nothing that I
would moderately have performed with out. And the unusual notes introduced a smile to my
face.
Proper now I’m simply wanting ahead to see the place we’re going
from right here.
from right here.
Style
Fortunately it didn’t style like stale gin and lemon. That
would have disenchanted me past comprehension. It does nevertheless style quite a bit
like different Enmores I’ve tried.
would have disenchanted me past comprehension. It does nevertheless style quite a bit
like different Enmores I’ve tried.
A great cocktail of pencil shavings, cloves and anise, and a
very distant couple of fruity notes.
very distant couple of fruity notes.
It’s nevertheless a really good rum. Though this profile is just not
my most well-liked one, it’s evident that we’re coping with an awesome rum.
my most well-liked one, it’s evident that we’re coping with an awesome rum.
The pencil shavings are managed, tasty and nicely
offered.
offered.
It’s spherical, but in addition sizzling as hell due to the excessive proof.
Relatively brief contemplating the energy.
The fade brings nothing new, aside from a slight shift in
the stability away from the pencil shaving parts. It feels a bit sweeter and a
little extra fruity because it makes its manner in the direction of the exit.
the stability away from the pencil shaving parts. It feels a bit sweeter and a
little extra fruity because it makes its manner in the direction of the exit.
And it cleans up tremendous properly.
Yet one more tremendous fascinating rum. Though it isn’t my most well-liked profile, I loved it a
lot.
lot.
Maybe the very best bottle of pencil shavings I’ve tried.
The large lime peel on the nostril was one thing new and enjoyable,
and I’m grateful that it didn’t carry over to the palate an excessive amount of.
and I’m grateful that it didn’t carry over to the palate an excessive amount of.
Bought for €150 it is a little more costly than the Diamond,
and I can see why.
and I can see why.
It’s clearly a greater constructed rum. Personally I might go for
the Diamond due to its extra approachable nature with extra traditional notes. However
the Enmore is under no circumstances a canine within the large image.
the Diamond due to its extra approachable nature with extra traditional notes. However
the Enmore is under no circumstances a canine within the large image.
You probably have €150 to spend there may be a whole lot of choices. However
there isn’t many cask energy Enmores out there. In case you’re enthusiastic about the
El Dorado Enmore 1993, you’re looking at a rise in value of €75, in order that
is a barely totally different league.
I just lately checked out a Samaroli 1990 Demerara, which additionally
had large pencil shrapnel. However the place the Samaroli felt slim, uncontrolled
and harmful, the RN Enmore is extra rounded, extra managed and fewer of an
I.E.D. The warmth is even saved in test, and it felt nowhere close to as aggressive
because the a lot older and weaker Samaroli.
had large pencil shrapnel. However the place the Samaroli felt slim, uncontrolled
and harmful, the RN Enmore is extra rounded, extra managed and fewer of an
I.E.D. The warmth is even saved in test, and it felt nowhere close to as aggressive
because the a lot older and weaker Samaroli.
Subsequently it get away with a pleasant…
Port Mourant 1995
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| Picture courtesy of Rum Nation |
Final however not least, the 21 yr previous Port Mourant.
Aaah. Port Mourant. Maybe probably the most well-known of all Guyanese
stills. The double picket pot nonetheless.
The final one on this planet. In operation
for 1,000,000 years. Made by God on the twelfth day of creation, proper after he
created Adam and Eve, sugar cane, the cane press, yeast and the artwork of
distilling.
for 1,000,000 years. Made by God on the twelfth day of creation, proper after he
created Adam and Eve, sugar cane, the cane press, yeast and the artwork of
distilling.
Jokes apart, this one is virtually equivalent to the
Diamond in color, which elevated my shock with the Diamond color. The PM
is nearly twice as previous and nearly the identical color. Unusual.
Diamond in color, which elevated my shock with the Diamond color. The PM
is nearly twice as previous and nearly the identical color. Unusual.
In case you give it a twirl, it should react as you anticipate. Good
layer, good ring, good droplets, good gravity.
layer, good ring, good droplets, good gravity.
Nostril
Already on the nostril, you will really feel proper at house.
It is a very typical Port Mourant.
It is a very typical Port Mourant.
Heavy in nature, with preliminary notes of darkish wooden, anise,
juice prunes and winey tannins.
juice prunes and winey tannins.
I’m questioning the place the huge muscle tissues of the 57.7% ABV are
hiding.
hiding.
To date it feels extra like every other sub 50% Port Mourant,
than a sub 60% beast. However I’ve been stunned up to now, so let’s see what
occurs.
than a sub 60% beast. However I’ve been stunned up to now, so let’s see what
occurs.
Beneath the traditional Port Mourant profile, there may be additionally some
ripe limes. Juice and peel.
ripe limes. Juice and peel.
And within the background, a bit burnt rubber, however nothing to
intimidating.
intimidating.
All the things blends collectively in a manner which is smart. A bit
layered, however not separated.
layered, however not separated.
I hope it tastes equally nicely.
Style
And there we’ve got it … the hidden beast!
Wauw! The primary sip nearly tore my head straight off.
Though ”simply” medium profiled, it confirmed me a stage of
flavour and power, that needed to be taken critically.
flavour and power, that needed to be taken critically.
First the traditional Port Mourant wooden. Excessive on oak, excessive on
tannins, with a giant, juice purple wine character.
tannins, with a giant, juice purple wine character.
Then got here an unusually massive bag of dried fruits, with
prunes, figs, juicy raisins and apricots.
prunes, figs, juicy raisins and apricots.
It feels extra fruity than most different Port Mourants I’ve
tried, and it brings some sweetness to the desk.
tried, and it brings some sweetness to the desk.
Large quantities of liquorice. The uncooked and fairly bitter pure
liquorice. Very good.
liquorice. Very good.
The one other wave of darkish, heavy wooden, however with out feeling
over oaked.
over oaked.
There isn’t a doubt in my thoughts, that this can be a excellent Port
Mourant. It’s tremendous tasty, and feels nicely composed, balanced, flavourful and
fascinating.
It dies off a bit too shortly. Once you survive the primary
blast, and also you expertise how tasty it’s, you’ll need it to remain for a really
very long time.
blast, and also you expertise how tasty it’s, you’ll need it to remain for a really
very long time.
Maybe the bitterness from the liquorice and the tannins
does too good of a job of cleansing up, and form of jumps the gun a bit.
does too good of a job of cleansing up, and form of jumps the gun a bit.
By no means the much less the fade continues to be very tasty, and brings out
a bit of the lime-features from the nostril.
a bit of the lime-features from the nostril.
Score
That is by far my favorite amongst these three new cask
energy Demeraras.
energy Demeraras.
Far more tasty and way more nicely composed than the Diamond
and the Enmore.
and the Enmore.
No humorous stuff, only a nice, previous Port Mourant.
I’ve discovered the PM for something between €200 and €250, and
that’s rather a lot.
It’s nevertheless what these previous, single cask Demeraras value
lately.
lately.
I might nevertheless recommendation you to attempt before you purchase. Cask energy
rums usually are not an instantaneous love affair for everyone. Some could want one of many
45-46% Demeraras from the Rum Nation previous – or every other bottler for that
matter.
rums usually are not an instantaneous love affair for everyone. Some could want one of many
45-46% Demeraras from the Rum Nation previous – or every other bottler for that
matter.
If you’re a cask energy fanboy like me, you’ll take pleasure in
the Port Mourant very a lot.
the Port Mourant very a lot.
The standard of this rum ought to be moderately apparent. I actually assume
it’s. However realizing how insane a cask energy Demerara could be, this Port
Mourant is maybe too light and too simple going.
it’s. However realizing how insane a cask energy Demerara could be, this Port
Mourant is maybe too light and too simple going.
And that’s the reason it received’t attain the highest of rum world. But it surely nonetheless leaves with a…
Score: 87/100
Ultimate Ideas
What an awesome expertise. As soon as once more Mr. Rossi has issued a
lot of rums, which makes you’re feeling that you’re making an attempt one thing new.
lot of rums, which makes you’re feeling that you’re making an attempt one thing new.
The unusual vodka-Diamond, the gin and Schweppes-Enmore and
the superior, however light, traditional Port Mourant.
the superior, however light, traditional Port Mourant.
Two bizarre cousins and a moderately stoic uncle.
A set of this unusual household will set you again round €520,
so most individuals will assume twice earlier than getting the total vary.
so most individuals will assume twice earlier than getting the total vary.
The cheaper Diamond and Enmore could lure some to provide them a
go with out having tried it first. However in my world the true gem is the way more
costly Port Mourant.
go with out having tried it first. However in my world the true gem is the way more
costly Port Mourant.
Even on the €200 mark it’s a nice rum. No query about
it.
Cask energy and smaller batch rums are getting extra and
extra common lately, and other people appear to be keen to half with massive
quantities of money for such bottlings, so the evolution of the Rum Nation line-up
may be very comprehensible.
extra common lately, and other people appear to be keen to half with massive
quantities of money for such bottlings, so the evolution of the Rum Nation line-up
may be very comprehensible.
I acknowledge the trouble from Mr. Rossi with these rums, and
I for one am not going to complain about extra cask energy rums. However I can’t
assist however surprise if that is actually the precise transfer for Rum Nation.
I for one am not going to complain about extra cask energy rums. However I can’t
assist however surprise if that is actually the precise transfer for Rum Nation.
In my view Rum Nation is the king of 40-46% indie
bottlings. They churn out a big and diverse line up of rums from everywhere in the
old style origins, and so they do it very, very nicely.
bottlings. They churn out a big and diverse line up of rums from everywhere in the
old style origins, and so they do it very, very nicely.
The Port Mourant was stellar, however the different two weren’t up
to typical Rum Nation requirements. In my eyes at the least.
to typical Rum Nation requirements. In my eyes at the least.
Lately I tackled the Supreme Lord VIII which was
improbable, and so they have nice success with excessive proof Caronis and a few
whites.
improbable, and so they have nice success with excessive proof Caronis and a few
whites.
I don’t know. Maybe I’m simply not adjusting to vary that
nicely.
nicely.
I’ll have to attend for additional releases earlier than drawing any
conclusions. For now I’m simply grateful that the world has extra small batch,
cask energy rums to select from.
conclusions. For now I’m simply grateful that the world has extra small batch,
cask energy rums to select from.
Sustain the nice work, Mr. Rossi.
Diamond 2005: Score 78/100
Enmore 2002: Score 82/100
Port Mourant 1995: Score 87/100
Notes
2-3 years in the past, I bought the Velier Diamond 1996, Enmore 1995 and Port Mourant 1997 for
round that very same costs, because the three new Rum Nation rums prices. The rum world
has moved a really great distance since then and we’re seeing a very totally different
market now.
So, when you get a number of of the Rum Nation small batch
rums, and fall in love, my recommendation shall be to refill. As a result of as soon as they’re
gone, the subsequent comparable rum could also be much more costly.
rums, and fall in love, my recommendation shall be to refill. As a result of as soon as they’re
gone, the subsequent comparable rum could also be much more costly.
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