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."
Christophe
It's in my top 3 😍
francis boussougouth
A pure reference. A must-have
Mario Dos Santos
This rum does not change, it is perfect to start a tasting if you like molasses rums.
Théo
always a pleasure
Customer Franco Cupini
it's the best rum in the world...
Franck BERTI
Perfect 👍
Michel Malian
Satisfied with the product but once again delivery to another relay point than the one chosen. I will avoid deliveries by chronopost from now on!
ROSARIO MAROTTA
not exceptional
VITRY JOEL
the must I'm a fan
Jocelyne BARON
This rum was a gift that delighted its recipient. What's more, the delivery was fast and tidy.
Christophe GUITTON
Original with aromas, still a little too powerful for this price range.
Worth a try, but I don't think you'll include it in your top list.
Marie F
I was already familiar with it, so there were no nasty surprises.
Mr LAGEYRE Jerome
Very sweet (too sweet) caramelized molasses rum in the spirit of Diplomatico.
Fabrice
Woody note a little too present for my taste, but a very good reference nonetheless.
YVON
rum a little sweet, very pleasant
samyr
This rum is very good and delicious. Not too sweet, with a well-caramelized mash and a finish tending towards a prune aroma.
Pierre Vonau
A pure delight. A very sweet rum with vanilla and caramel essences. It's very gourmand and easy to drink. I recommend room temperature (20°C) to enjoy all its flavors.
Guillaume
People have been telling me to try it for so long! Now I have! A real treat! I just love it. A super rum that outshines many much more expensive ones. A must-have!
Alexandre
I discovered this rum in a bar in London. I then searched for it for several months before coming across it on this site. Very happy ;)