Mezan: Trinidad 2007

Trinidad
46%
£35

“Rum” – from a modern multi column still.
ABV Hydrometer Test: 46% ABV @ 20°

* M

“Mezan: The Untouched Rum.”

Ahead of a Marussia Beverages tasting session of Mezan rums on 28-07-17 at Pitt Cue, Devonshire Square, I thought it would be a good time to share my thoughts on one of Mezan’s new offerings, a 2007 rum from Trinidad.

Mezan take rums from various countries and distilleries, age them in ex-Bourbon casks before releasing them with no additives or colourings and only light filtration. What you are left with is a rum that represents the terroir of where it comes from and how it was made.

There is a new range of Mezan rums hailing from Panama, Trinidad and Jamaica. It is great to find that Mezan have taken notice of feedback as these new products feature more detailed information on the labels together with (mostly) higher ABVs – the two criticisms I have levied towards Mezan in the past. The surprise package is the Single Distillery Trinidad 2007 from Trinidad Distillers Limited, which at 46% and without any added sugar gives an insight into how Angostura rums would taste if left ‘untouched.’

Under Richard Seale’s/Luca Gargano’s proposed rum categorisation, this would most-likely be classed as a “Rum” – from a modern multi column still.

 

Bottle/Presentation       3/3
This is presented in Mezan’s usual stubby bottle. But in a superb move from previous bottlings, Mezan have significantly improved their labels to provide all of the information a rum drinker wants to see. On my previous reviews of Mezan rums, this was one of my criticisms, so it is fantastic to see Mezan taking notice of this…Well done!

The front label shows the name, Mezan Trinidad 2007, the 46% ABV and some tasting/flavour notes.

On the rear, there is useful information including the the origin of the rum namely Trinidad, the raw material used (molasses), distillery (Trinidad Distillers Limited), type of still (multi-column), when it was distilled and bottled (2007 and 2017respectively) and the age (10 years). Furthermore, there is info about the fermentation, yeast used, distillation process and ageing process.

Mezan: Trinidad 2007: Rear Label

 

Glass/Aroma       8/10
The rum is an orange-pale amber colour. Mezan do not add colouring so this is the rum’s natural colour after ten years of barrel-ageing. Swirling the glass reveals medium density legs, which are moderately slow to descend down the edges of the glass.

The initial aroma offers some spice, vanilla and a fresh citrus-like presence – it does have the aroma of an Angostura rum but without the sweetness. Further nosings and one notices the spice dominates somewhat, notably some soft white pepper and a little nutmeg. After some time in the glass, the citrus mellows somewhat revealing a slightly nutty aroma and a background of tobacco smoke and a slightly metallic feel.

Taste, Initial-middle       31/40
There is quite a fiery entry to this rum and the spicy aromas dominate as initial flavours. There is a peppery presence, which is almost like chilli, hence the label’s reference to capsicum – quite an interesting and unusual flavour and very unexpected. There are light oak notes, too.

Taste, Middle/Throat       33/40
The initial fire continues throughout the tasting. It does not really detract from the flavour but some might find it a little too feisty especially at the higher [than usual] ABV. Personally, I enjoy this fire as it gives the rum some character and texture that is most welcome. The spice softens in the mid-palate but returns at the back of the mouth and after swallowing. Some vanilla appears at the rear of the mouth, too and a touch of fruity sweetness – it could be melon and honey or possibly pineapple and Demerara sugar. This sweetness helps to balance the fire and keeps the rum tasting interesting throughout.

 

Afterburn       6/7
The afterburn lingers nicely in the back of the throat. The spice and fire are still there, but are a little more modest at this point and are joined by a combination of some drying oak and warming honey. Long after swallowing the rum has a presence and continues to feel drier and more astringent.

Morning After Aroma
Virtually all of the spiciness has disappeared leaving traces of molasses and a feint hint of vanilla in the glass.

 

TOTAL       81/100

 

Overall
So this is what Angostura rums would taste like if left unsweetened/untainted.

What you have is a unique style featuring plenty of spice and fire and showcasing the rum making quality of Trinidad. This fire and spice might not quite be to everyone’s taste especially if you prefer sweetened rums, but at the same time, bear in mind this is nothing like a heavy industrial-fusel-oil Caroni either.

This also highlights that multi-column rums can have a presence and flavour without the need for tons of additives. Mezan even quote on the rear label that this rum is a blend “with a high portion of lighter distillates.” Whilst this does not have pot still punch, it is still good quality juice.

Mezan have upped their game considerably with their latest range of rums and have also stuck to their ‘untouched’ principles, which gives us UK rum drinkers some fine quality rums to savour.

*
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