Aktuelle Angebote Premium Spirituosen
Aktuelles Angebot Premium Spirituosen Nr. 1: Flor de Cana 18yo, - Rum aus Nicaragua
1 Fl. Flor de Cana 18yo, 75 cl Fl., 40 % vol. alk. mit Umkarton, ex Lager Brittnau = CHF 50.--
The oldest of the Flor de Cana rums made from molasses, this sweeter than average dark brown rum is aged for eighteen years in used whiskey or bourbon barrels, yet somehow avoids that harsh bite so characteristic of rums aged in whiskey casks (like Renegade’s offerings). Because it is younger than the Appleton Master’s Blend, it isn’t quite as pretentious either, and so I deplored the similarity of the bottle with the 12 year version somewhat less. This is also the darkest of the rums we had that night, a rich clear brown with a slightly red tint; and, poured, it releases a nutty, smoky aroma, with hints of burnt sugar.
The taste in the mouth is superb (but note that my own predilections run slightly more to sweet than the average, so I won’t pretend this will work for others), sweet and spicy – those caramel notes really start to come out if you can hold it on the tongue – and a bit of oak flavour that begins to dominate after a bit. Actually, more than a bit. As you sip, the oak overpowers everything else and though the finish is smooth and fine, I felt that for an 18 year old, this was not quite the standard I expected. I think I’ll have to go back to this.
Like 10 Cane, Flor de Cana is a name you see “called” on many a bar menu. I just got my hands on Flor’s 18-year version (which, apparently, is so new it does not yet appear on the company’s website). Some thoughts.
The initial nose is, bluntly, heavy with smoke. Smoke to the point where that’s all you think of. Smoke not altogether in a good way, but sort of like being around a chain smoker and trying to have a cocktail or two.
I powered through, and the smoke (as one would expect) follows the nose. The good news is that Flor 18 comes across as, distinctly, sugar-fueled and rummy — better than the nose hints at — but a little bitter and, again, almost tainted with an overwhelming smokiness. In the abstract, smoke, bitter, and sugar are all fine flavors, but they come together haphazardly in the glass. (I tried it straight and on the rocks. It’s considerably better with ice.)
Over time and after continued sampling, Flor 18 becomes more palatable (and of course it works just fine in cocktails), but still not a standout. I am guessing 18 years is just too long in the cask for this Nicaraguan rum — which would explain the insane smoke levels and the bitterness — and I’m itching to see how the 12 year is in comparison.
Aktuelles Angebot Spirituosen Nr. 2: Botran Solera 1893 - Rum aus Guatemala
1 Fl. Botran Solera 1896, 70 cl Fl., 40 % vol. alk. mit Umkarton, ex Lager Brittnau = CHF 65.--
Objective Notes
Extremely Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth)
Botran Solera 1893 reveals a medium dark amber color due its aging in oak. On the nose: Botran Solera offers a delicate caramel aroma, coupled with golden raisin, a hint of dried apricot tart-fruit, and a slight oaken vanilla foundation, leaving traces of almond nutmeg aromas till the end. Perfectly smooth to sniff with moderate complexity and no offensive alcohol aromas. The initial taste is complex as you would expect of a rum matured in the rare Solera method, whereby rums of different vintages are periodically and sequentially blended, so that younger rums are blended with progressively older ones until a certain age and flavor is achieved. Only then is the rum ready for bottling. The taste is honeysuckle sweet and medium to full bodied, with no offensive alcohols to restrict your tongue as it awakens to the smooth expansion of flavors consistent with the aromas. Botran Solera 1893 has a body of medium viscosity, substantial but light, and altogether drinkable. The finish is just off-dry, very long with savory sweet flavor and the slightest spicy edge adding up to a lip smacking anticipation of another sip.
Anecdotal Notes
Ron Botran is presented in different packages depending upon you region of purchase. Dave’s bottle, bought on Antigua, is wrapped in a red velour sack with “Botran” and “Solera 1893” embroidery in a gold-color, script-style font, set off nicely with gold drawstrings and tassel ends. Inside is a green wrinkle-finish bottle with screw cap. The label text is in Spanish. The packaging is elegant enough, but frankly, is exceeded by the excellent rum inside. And RnD supports those priorities.
Roger’s bottle, purchased in Panama City, Panama, came in a protective box and in a very nice tear drop flat shaped heavy weight decanter. It has stylish and elegant label in brown and gold and has a wide gold cork topper perfectly matching the bottle's style. It is believed that this is their new packaging. It advertises perfectly that what is inside is something special.
Roger was introduced to this rum in the Bristol Hotel Bar in Panama City, Panama. They displayed 84 rums to imbibe and offered him anything he wanted on the house. Of course he chose Botran Solera 1893 rum to try along with many other of the world’s finest and rarest rums.
Taster’s Opinion
Dave – Oooh, this Botran Is a nice rum. Sure, its relatively easy to find a rum that sniffs this smooth and tastes this good, if you know where to look. What’s difficult is finding an equally exceptional rum that’s as easy on the wallet as Botron Solera 1893.
Roger – Botran Solera 1893 is a wonderful rum that will meet your expectations of a fine rum in every way. It's reasonably priced and a superior value for its quality. You can be rest assured this rum will be a good addition to your collection. It is meant to be enjoyed neat or possibly on the rocks. I wouldn’t recommend it for cocktails unless the drink is mostly rum as you don't want to mask its flavors and even then I'd choose something else. It will pair nicely with a fine cigar and a warm fire on a cool evening if you are so inclined.
Taster's Rating (10 is best):
Dave - 9 Flasks
Roger - 9 Flasks
Versandkosten A-Post Domizil Schweiz: 1-2 Fl. = CHF 12.--
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