Aged rums are in vogue. They are complex, diverse, and relatively affordable (compared to aged whiskies).
FLOR DE CAÑA 12 YEAR NATURALLY AGED RUM
.jpg)
Sustainable, carbon-neutral, and certified fair trade, Flor de Caña checks all the right boxes. The distillery is located close to the active San Cristobal volcano, which plays a key role in enriching the soils where the raw material, sugarcane, is grown. This dark rum is column distilled and surprisingly, sugar-free. On the palate, spice, sweet caramel, and toffee. Best enjoyed as a mixer in Old Fashioned or with ice. $106, LazMall
DICTADOR 2 MASTERS NIEPORT
Dictator is leading the charge in premiumising rum, touted as the next investable spirit after whisky. The 2 Master refers a collaboration between Dictador master blender Hernan Parra and celebrated Portugese winemaker Dirk Nieport. Parra selected four vintage expressions from 1971, 1974, 1978 and 1980 and left it in Nieport’s care, to blend and mature as he deemed fit. The rums were blended in pairs; finished in 50-year-old Port pipes for 15 months and then blended again for the final expression. The result is a unique blend with top notes of red cherries, dark chocolate and dried fruit. On the palate, expect a smooth mouthfeel with crystalline sugar, coffee and spice. Only 620 bottles are released. $1580, Malt and Wine Asia.
MOUNT GAY ANDEAN OAK CASK
.jpg)
In the pursuit of aromatic complexity, master blender Trudiann Branker turned to a non-traditional white Andean oak sourced from the mountainous ranges of the Colombian Andes. A 14-year-old single batch rum, aged in ex-Bourbon casks, was placed in the virgin Andean oak casks for 11 months to add nuances from the wood. Additionally, the rum was non-chill filtered to express its complete aroma profile. The result – vanilla notes on the nose and an enticing palate that picks up spice, ripe pear, and toasted coconut. This small batch production is the fourth edition of the Master blender collection. $240, Rémy Cointreau’s Amazon store