Bristol Classic Rum
Diamond Distillery Demerara Rum 1998
Guyana
40%
£60
Rum – rum from a traditional column still.
ABV Hydrometer Test: ?
* C
Bristol Classic Rums are generally fine offerings of virtually unadulterated rum.
According to Bristol Classic Rum, this particular tipple has received “12 years maturation in various woods” [in England] and it is noted that it “was coloured at the time of filling”. I do not have an issue with the addition of colouring, after all, we all want something we drink to look nice. But, it is refreshing for a producer to be up front and honest about it. This particular rum, from the Diamond Distillery in Guyana has been distilled in a double column still. The result is a rum that is exactly what it says it is on the tin.
Speaking of which, the bottle is presented in Bristol’s usual tin with the [in this case] green label with relatively little information supplied on the outside. It does suggest that you “enjoy this rum with your favourite mixer”. As a sipper of rums, I was horrified to read this, but a producer of such merit should know what to do with their rums!!!
Bristol, being what I would describe as an honest producer of fine rums, proclaim on their tin that they are “discovering the world’s finest rums”. I am happy to follow their journey of discovery.
The bottle inside references being aged in “oak casks” producing a “lighter style” of rum.
Upon initial examination, it does not appear to be a “lighter style” but that is due to the aforementioned added colouring.
Under Richard Seale’s/Luca Gargano’s proposed rum categorisation, this would most likely be classed as “Rum” – rum from a traditional column still.
Bottle/Presentation 2/3
The distinctive style of Bristol’s rums and the housing of the neat, bulbous necked bottle within their trademark style tins portrays an image of something more prestigious than your regular supermarket bottle of rum. The label on the bottle, whilst not full of info, concisely gives you the relevant facts about the product although a little more technical detail would be welcome.
Glass/Aroma 8/10
This has the appearance of an amontillado sherry with orange hues.
It has a delicate nose with hints of orange and a touch of toffee. Upon initially breathing in the aromas, it is very soft and pleasant without taking your breath away, presumably because of the “lighter style” and also that this bottle is 40% ABV.
Taste, Initial-middle 25/40
The initial tasting is just like an El Dorado rum [12yo] but without that sometimes sickly sugary taste and texture that goes with it. Hints of brown sugar and contrasting dry wood with a rich feel to it. There is no burn or roughness, but as it passes to the middle of the mouth, the flavour disappears somewhat and is lacking the initial flavours that were apparent.
Taste, Middle/Throat 30/40
Just as the rum passes towards the back of the throat, the flavour returns with a delicate punch. Hints of licorice and more woodiness are present along with a little hint of roughness that highlights the unadulterated nature of this rum. It is a pleasant, warming sensation, but sadly this disappears quite quickly as you swallow the rum. The finish is very short…pleasant and dry but that punch and roughness disappear like a puff of smoke.
Afterburn 5/7
There is very little lingering afterburn in this rum. Maybe it is something that has been softened over the 12 years of maturation.
Morning After Aroma
Very little aroma remains. I think that reflects the very short finish outlined in the tasting.
TOTAL 70/100
Overall
Given that this is from Guyana, home of artificially sweetened El Dorado rums, I would have expected this to be much sweeter than it is. But, as there is no added sugar, it highlights that Demerara rums do not need additional sweeteners and additives as their natural flavours are very distinct and pleasing to the discerning rum drinker. This shows what true Demerara rum should taste like and is a very pleasant tipple.
If it had a long lingering follow through, this would be a sensational rum. As it is, the rum is very good…easy drinking and surprisingly delicate.
More on this Bristol Classic Rum at their official web site:
http://www.bristolclassicrum.com/images/diamond.pdf
*
P Denotes the rum contains POT still distillate.
C Denotes the rum contains traditional/Coffey COLUMN still distillate.
B Denotes the rum contains a BLEND of POT and COLUMN still distillate.
M Denotes the rum contains MULTI-COLUMN still distillate or is a MODERN rum.
A Denotes the rum is an AGRICOLE i.e. from Cane Juice.
S Denotes the rum is presented in a SWEETENED style.
Marking Guide:
Bottle/Presentation Out of 3
Glass/Aroma Out of 10
Taste, Initial-middle Out of 40
Taste, Middle/Throat Out of 40
Afterburn Out of 7
TOTAL 100
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