Produced by the only remaining rum-producing company in the Demerara region of Guyana (British Guiana), El Dorado 12 ans has won several prestigious awards, including a gold medal at the 2013 International Rum Festival.
This very old rum is a blend of several barrels aged for a minimum of 12 years. Previously, the rums were distilled in three types of stills, including the Port Mourant wooden still, which gives the blend a unique aromatic bouquet. The casks used for aging once contained American bourbon, preserving the rum from aggressive, astringent tannins.
The result is a well-balanced rum, perfect for tasting.
Nico's tasting notes
The nose is relatively light, with ethereal, finely fruity notes. Held together by a dry, toasty woodiness, this rum's taut profile only begins to deliver its luscious nutty aromas after a few moments' rest.
With aeration, the sweetness of pecans and maple syrup take over, much to our delight. The woodiness is coated with a caramelized, lightly roasted mixture, for an American oak profile that's both gourmand and full of character.
The palate is very smooth and fluid, with a very easy attack that erases any possible aggression from the alcohol. Nuts and spices then enter the scene, conveyed by a gently alcoholic liquid woodiness and sprinkled with notes of tangy fruit.
The finish is light and gently spicy, with a veil of vanilla masking a handful of exotic fruits and pits, concentrated but distant.
"A rum quite typical of his tradition, which he presents here in a very accessible and fluid way..."
The aromatic profile of El Dorado 12 ans has evolved over time, as we explain in the article El Dorado : Le Demerara revisits its classics. For the record, here's what Laurent thought of the first version:
Laurent's tasting notes
Its color is somewhere between amber and copper.
On the nose, it's very gourmand. Aromas of stewed fruit (especially apricot) and caramel. But the woodiness is not far away and adds complexity. Notes of vanilla, almond and tobacco complete the aromatic profile. The whole is well balanced.
On the palate, the attack is soft and sweet. However, it's not disgusting, as the alcohol shows its face and offsets the sweetness. Almost all the aromas found on the nose are present: caramel, tobacco, vanilla, wood...
The finish is relatively long. Wood and vanilla dominate, and while this sweet impression remains, the cask brings a slight astringency that is most welcome. Tobacco and walnut are not far off either, making this finish all the more pleasant.
"It's THE rum that brought me to this world of cane brandies. In my opinion, it remains an excellent introduction to the world of rum."
