La Progresiva is a blend of Cuban molasses rums from the Vigia distillery. This collaboration between The Island Rum Company and the Cuban government is a first in 20 years!
This is a " mezcla ", a blend of aguardientes and cane spirit distilled in copper columns. All distillates are aged in bourbon barrels, with an average age of 13 years.
Nico's tasting notes
The first nose is nicely aromatic, rather "funky", with a deeply pastry-like presence underlined by leather. Ripe, sweet orchard fruits such as mirabelle plums and gently spiced apricots, as well as rum-soaked grapes, are present. The leather and cigar box aspect adds an undeniable elegance.
With a little aeration, the rum gains a slightly more vegetal aspect, while remaining in a very tropical, humid and opulent setting. The white oak barrel coats all this in a rather subtle way, with its notes of vanilla, tobacco and caramel. The occasional breeze of chlorophyll adds freshness.
On the palate, the attack is smooth and the rum glides easily over exotic notes. The funky phase encountered early on the nose is more fleeting here, quickly giving way to a soft, vanilla woodiness. Varied spices provide a livelier mid-palate, with alcohol tickling the taste buds.
The finish is marked by a return of deep, tropical notes. Warm leather and exotic notes of rum raisins and grand aroma.
"A rum that once again demonstrates the complexity of Cuban rum blending, thanks to a constant balance between tropical exuberance and the comfort of gentle aging..."
Julien Ansel
Great product!