Old Monk Gold Reserve Rum is an aged rum produced by Mohan Meakin Ltd. in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. It is a traditional rum distilled from molasses, aged for 12 years in oak barrels in India's tropical climate, then blended.
Nico's tasting notes
The first impression on the nose is of a heavy, coppery character. The exotic fruits are very ripe, even past their prime. Tropical fruit and roasted nuts coexist in perfect harmony. This duo is sprinkled here and there with vanilla and caramelized wood shavings. The woody notes form a third aromatic pole, but with a hint of nuts. It's very toasty, even burnt, bringing out notes of molasses, licorice and, above all, caramel.
Time gives the nuts a chance to develop, followed by dark cocoa. These nuts combine with an air of oxidative white wine to give the rum a serious Pedro Ximenez sherry air. The roasted, gourmet flavors continue, with caramel, nougatine, vanilla and an ever-present toasty woodiness.
The attack on the palate is striking, with notes of burnt caramel that grab and hold the taste buds. These notes break down into a slice of bread forgotten in the toaster and a nice dash of maple syrup. The dark caramel is reminiscent of the liquid caramel used to top creams or rice puddings. It contains nuts and molasses, for an overall very bitter tendency. The woodiness is still burnt and charred, and the coffee has also been forgotten on the stove.
The finish logically continues with the same dry profile of burnt caramel and toasty oak.
"Here's a rum with an atypical character, which puts the cursor firmly on burnt and roasted notes..."
