Unfortunately all RumFest tasting sessions run late and today is no exception. Ian Burrell’s rare rums talk overran although it was a great tasting so that’s not a problem.
I’m quite excited as this is my first Velier session at Rumfest. I’ve long been a fan of Velier’s bottlings…I’ve just bought two bottles of the Foursquare 2006 expression.
Not sure what to expect though… Maybe some molasses rums but also expect some agricoles. Not being a fan of agricultural rhum this will be a different experience. Let’s hope the hype is worth it.
1 Worthy Park 2005, 58% from Jamaica.
Wow…very strong aromas, distinct pot still profile. Lots of oak and spice. Very long finish and lots of afterburn.
2 Foursquare 2006, 62% Single Blended Rum. Stunning!
3 Hampden HLCF, 2010, 68.5%
Toffee and caramel aromas. Slight hints of oak. 550mg esters made with natural wild yeast. Amazingly powerful rum but not at all rough. Despite the ABV it is not overly strong. Really amazing tastes of toffee and Jamaican spice. Wow.
4 White agricultural rhum from Haiti.
Overpowering agricultural grassy aromas. Not to my liking. Whilst it is smooth and of course made in the right way, it has that unmistakable agricultural profile that does not impress me. To be fair it is smooth and slips down well. Little afterburn but very dry with distinct tannins. But it is surprising that it is a white rhum but tastes like a golden, aged rum.
Luca Gargano is an Italian version of Richard Seale. Very passionate and articulate.
A pleasure to chat with this guy.
RumFest 2016
RumFest 2016: SATURDAY
Published by Rum Shop Boy
RumShopBoy | Honest Rum Reviews, Recommendations & Rum Knowledge
I'm Simon, the person behind RumShopBoy — exploring the incredible world of Rum, Ron, Rhum and Cachaça.
I've been writing about, tasting and collecting rum for many years, with a particular interest in the diversity of production styles, traditions and flavours found around the world.
RumShopBoy is all about honest opinions, independent reviews and helping people discover better rum. Whether you're completely new to rum or already have a well-stocked collection, I want to make the category easier to understand, explore and enjoy.
My content covers individual rum reviews, affordable and beginner-friendly recommendations, Rum Knowledge videos and explorations of rum-producing countries and styles from around the world.
Appleton was where my own rum journey really began, and Jamaican and Barbadian rum remain important reference points for me. Foursquare is another particular favourite, and I'm an advocate of Luca Gargano's proposed reclassification of rum as a useful way of understanding how rum is actually produced.
I hold WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Spirits, achieving Distinction at Level 2. I also hold WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Wine, again achieving Distinction at Level 2.
Away from rum, I'm a Liverpool supporter and season ticket holder, and a long-time Pet Shop Boys fan — which provided some of the inspiration for the RumShopBoy name.
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4 White agricultural rhum from Haiti.
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