This grogue velha is a pure cane juice rum aged for just over a year in 2 Bordeaux casks.
It was developed in Cape Verde, in the village of Tarrafal on Santo Antão, one of the 9 islands of this country off the coast of Africa, with a population of 500,000.
Nico's tasting notes
On the nose, it's immediately clear that ageing has done nothing to detract from the superb, natural character of the original eau-de-vie. The fermented cane still has a fresh, spicy, vegetal character, enhanced here by a few slightly vinous touches of ripe fruit (white wine).
Time and aeration give us the opportunity to rub shoulders with the wood, but with delicacy. The wood is soft, brioche-like, with aromas of blond tobacco and light caramel. The link with the cane is self-evident, as notes of raw sugar take over.
The palate is round and full of beeswax, followed by fruit caramelized with cane sugar. In other words, it's a gourmet treat, without an ounce of real sugar. Molten spices add the finishing touch, with tonka bean, vanilla and a touch of cinnamon. The cane is thus soothed, tamed, summed up in a softly vegetal velvet.
The finish is curiously a little salty, which makes it even more delicious.
"A marvel of cane brandy just caressed by the barrel...".
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