Rum Nation Demerara Solera No 14

Born from sugar cane molasses in British Guyana, as a skilled blend of various vintages from pot stills (to give it full bodied richness) and column stills (for a lighter backbone of crisp drinkability).

Main aging is in ex-Bourbon American oak barrels for a creamy sweetness, then a 12 months period into fresh sherry butts (Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso) enhances its spicy character. A small percentage of very old Enmore rum is finally added to the blend for further complexity and dark character.

Appearance:Dark amber.

Nose:Dark, musty, very estery (fermented fruit, glue), with notes of cola, myrtle and bergamot tea.

Palate:Viscous sugarcane molasses, dark chocolate, coffee, dried raisins, and a slightly toasted and bitter background which hints at herbal notes (black tea and gentian root). Dark and sweet at the same time.

Finish:Endless interplay between the herbal bitterish character and the sugary sweetness. Ultimately sweet, almost syrupy and slightly winey, like vermouth.

Comment:A heavy Demerara, with its evident sugary sweetness, but also very dark, estery and aromatic.