Rum & Cane Spanish Carribean XO is a blend of two traditional Spanish molasses rums, one produced in Cuba and the other in the Dominican Republic. This rum has been aged for at least 6 years in American oak barrels that previously contained bourbon.
Nico's tasting notes
In brief: powdery - nutty - fruity - exotic - citrus - sweet - balanced
The first nose has a "navy rum" quality, very powdery, with hints of gunpowder or gunflint. Slightly oxidized copper notes lead to walnuts and cocoa, making for a delightful introduction. What's surprising is that the slightly warlike, tempestuous side is vanilla and sweet on the other. There's also a pleasant, mellow fruitiness, with the prune seemingly seeking to reconcile the two worlds and temper the proceedings.
Aeration brings out the powder even more, with oxidative notes now turning to plum, blackberry and blueberry. At last, the rum opens with fresh, slightly acidic exotic fruits.
A soft attack on the palate, followed by a burst of exoticism. Fruits such as banana and pineapple build to a spicy intensity. Citrus fruits like kumquat bring a breath of freshness, but also a hint of bitterness that adds precision to both texture and flavor.
In the final, memories of heavy artillery, olives and alcohol remain.
"A surprisingly intense rum compared to its origins, yet with a smoothness and balance that make it very accessible..."
