Gold of Mauritius solera 5 ans is, like Gold of Mauritius Dark Rum, a molasses rum distilled in columns, then aged in South African casks from the Cape region that have previously held Port.
The difference with the "Dark Rum" version is that this first stage lasts just one year, and Gold of Mauritius solera 5 ans is then transferred to new American oak casks for a further 3 years of aging, then spends a final year in casks that have contained bourbon, for a total of 5 years of aging.
At the end of this program, a blend is made with one-year-old Gold of Mauritius, hence the name "solera", which here means that the average age of the final bottled rum is actually just under 5 years.
This rum from Mauritius can be drunk neat or with ice.
Nico's tasting notes
The first nose of this rum is dominated by orange zest. Vanilla and woody notes meld and intertwine, seeming to lay the foundation for the aromas that follow. Cherry and marzipan enrich this base, also melting into it. Coconut then makes a dramatic entrance and reigns supreme, as if it were self-evident that there can be no room for anything else. But banana and pineapple come in softly, leading to a nose that tastes like a Pina Colada. Surprisingly, the page turns and we enter a caramelized register with nuts and wood, as well as a grated peanut paste. It's quite a pleasant nose, very varied and interesting.
A longer opening will bring out the dried fruits and almond powder. Coconut still has its moment of glory, joined by dried banana slices. This combination is reminiscent of the dried fruit cocktails we nibble on as an aperitif. Cherry returns, as do peanuts, with a little milk chocolate thrown in for good measure.
The palate is pleasantly smooth and simple, with a hint of vanilla. The fruit is light, encompassed by molasses, coffee and toasted coconut. We expected the coconut to take up as much space on the palate as it did on the nose, but the common thread running through the tasting is the peanut. It's thick, melting and buttery. A candy-like fruitiness takes all this in its stride, with tart tutti frutti flavors.
The finish gives us a little respite after this firework of aromas and flavors, and is light, with a simple molasses - toasted coconut duo.
"Simple at first glance, this rum quickly goes off in all directions, while retaining a sweet, light spirit..."
