XM 12 ans is a traditional rum blended in Guyana's Demerara region. Aged in oak casks, it acquires great aromatic intensity.
Nico's tasting notes
The nose begins with notes typical of Demerara rums, with caramelized nuts and brown sugar, but also drier notes of gunflint. There are also the fruitier, more exotic aromas of younger rums from this region, with ripe banana, papaya and pineapple. The woodiness comes into play, strongly toasted, the molasses caramelized, developing a hint of tar. The rum becomes gourmand as it opens, entering a praline dimension, with buttered, caramelized popcorn.
Time confirms this tendency towards sweetness. Caramel settles in, as does vanilla. The nuts are still there, very fatty, but coated in caramel. It's reminiscent of a Demerara in its simplest expression, made accessible by a great roundness, even if the toasted nuts and toasty woodiness catch the nose just right.
On the palate, despite a very smooth feel, it's the notes of bitumen and smoke that immediately come to the fore. The heart of the rum is made up of molasses, caramelized nuts and woody notes. A hint of saltiness balances this round, warm palate, making it quite deep and concentrated.
The finish maintains roasted and caramelized nutty flavors, one imagines a mix of walnuts, pecans, almonds, always with a hint of salt.
"This XM is a very smooth expression of English-style rums, and a great way to discover the Demerara style..."
