
16 Year Old - Venezuela Rum - French Brandy Cask
16 Year Old - Venezuela Rum - French Brandy Cask
SINGLE CASK, AGED RUM - VENEZUELA
This rum is produced by Venezuela’s oldest family-owned rum distillery, with a rich heritage of rum production that dates back to 1796 in the Aragua Valley.
The estate has been continuously operated by the same family since 1826, making it a cornerstone of Venezuelan rum heritage. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and social transformation and are a testament to the enduring spirit of Venezuelan craftsmanship, blending traditions with innovation and social responsibility. Its commitment to quality and community has solidified its place as a leader in the global rum industry
This rum was distilled in 2008 and shipped to the UK, then filled into American Oak and stored for maturation in the UK, the rum has then been refilled into a Ex French Brandy Cask in Jan 2024. The casks currently lay in bond in the UK.
This rum has had a fascinating and layered ageing journey, moving through multiple casks and climates.
Distilled in 2008 in Venezuela – Molasses-based rum, likely column-distilled (common in the region), starting with continental ageing for 14 years in American oak — this imparts vanilla, toasted coconut, caramel, and slow wood extraction due to the UK climate provides a balanced integration of the rum and oak compounds.
Imported to the UK in 2088 – Refilled into American oak, now ageing in a cooler, temperate climate. The pace slows, allowing for oxidative development, complexity, and integration of the spirit and wood.
Re-casked into French Brandy Casks in Jan 2024 – Brandy casks bring elegant fruit, floral, and nutty characteristics, adding finesse, dried orchard fruit, and a delicate tannic grip.
Organoleptic Evaluation
On the Nose: Rich and evolving. Opens with dark toffee, roasted coconut, and worn leather from the tropical American oak years. As it breathes, brighter notes of poached pear, orange blossom, and almond nougat emerge — a direct nod to the French brandy cask influence. A touch of spice — cinnamon and clove — lingers in the background.
On the Palate: Luxuriously layered. The first impression is of aged oak, brown sugar, and vanilla pod. The secondary UK maturation contributes rounded tannins and subtle oxidation — think walnut oil and dried figs. The brandy casks now bring a lift of stewed apple, apricot preserve, and a floral brightness that cuts through the richness with poise. Balanced, with a creamy texture and refined structure.
Finish: Long and elegant, tapering off with echoes of golden raisin, soft spice, and a touch of floral honey. A gentle nuttiness and hint of grape skin tannin offer a final nod to the evolving brandy cask finish.
This rum, now at 16 years of age and still maturing, is moving into a rarefied space — an interplay of ex bourbon boldness, continental elegance, and brandy-cask refinement. If bottled now, it would be complex and luxurious; if left to age further in the brandy casks, expect even more fruit, structure, and aromatic lift to come.
Last ABV 08/05/25 - 58.8%vol - this may vary from cask to cask
Please note that specific tasting notes may vary slightly depending on the cask selection and individual palate.
Price Per LPA = £54.00
Estimated total cost @115 LPA per cask = £6,210.00
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