Kill Devil 12 ans Guyana 2004 is a molasses rum produced by the Diamond distillery in Guyana, part of the Demerara Distillers Limited group. Kill Devil is a brand of Scottish independent bottler Hunter Laing.
The rum was distilled in July 2004 in the Versailles iron still, made of wood and copper. This is one of the last stills of its kind in the world, over 150 years old. The rum is aged in casks for 12 years, then hand-bottled in Scotland without coloring, reduction or cold filtration.
This single cask produced 246 bottles worldwide.
Jérémie's tasting notes
On the nose: The initial aromas open with intense fermentary and peaty notes, immediately hinting at an unconventional profile. With aeration, aromas of overripe fruit take over, dominated by jackfruit, accompanied by fully ripe pineapple and mango. Hints of leather and musk add depth, while a light menthol freshness balances the whole.
On the palate: The attack is direct, driven by fermentary and herbaceous notes reminiscent of sage. The almost effervescent texture invigorates the tasting experience and gradually releases a range of overripe fruits, with jackfruit taking center stage. A lively touch of acidity, reminiscent of lemon, appears first, before evolving into candied lemon accompanied by peaty and musky notes. The profile then becomes fruitier again, allowing overripe pineapple and mango to express themselves. On the finish, a slight bitterness develops around nuances of fenugreek and cumin, further enhancing the overall complexity.
The finish: Quite long, it prolongs a fascinating balance between bitterness and tangy freshness. Aromatic herbs dominate at first, before giving way to a slight fruity sweetness, supported by lingering notes of peat and leather.
Overall: This is a complex and remarkably evolving spirit, with aromatic layers unfolding and overlapping throughout the tasting. Its unusual aromatic profile makes it a unique and captivating experience. It's a product that will likely not appeal to everyone, but it will seduce those who appreciate atypical profiles and curious tasters willing to step outside their comfort zone.
