Rum today, bottled by Whisky-Fässle in Germany. It’s a trend, other whisky bottlers like Malts of Scotland or The Whisky Agency have also started series of rum releases.
Not sure whether Trinidad stands for the country or the Trinidad Distillers company. The label says XO which means Extra Old, but unlike cognac (or brandy in the near future) – there’s no rum law or anything defining how old it should be exactly.
Trinidad Rum XO
(43%, Whisky-Fässle 2013, single barrel rum)
Trinidad Rum XONose: hey! Starts on rubbery plastics and herbs, which I found a strangely interesting combination and very enjoyable. But this softens rather quickly to classic vanilla, honey and berry sweetness. Quite round, developing some apricot jam in the end.
Mouth: lots of sweetness and fruits: banana candy, orange sweetness and light honey. Apricot and litchi syrup? Quite jammy anyway. Hints of spices (cinnamon) and cedar oak, some light smoke as well. Nicely balanced.
Finish: still sweet and raisiny but slightly more spices. Not too long though.
Around € 35, which means this Trinidad rum is quite a bargain with high quality. It’s smooth and easy-drinking with a great, very specific fruitiness. Perfect for an evening with friends, the bottle will be empty before you know it.