Ron Barceló Imperial

Of the three rums I obtained today (Botrán and Clement VSOP being the others), this one is the most characteristically "rum" of the group, at least based on my typical expectations for rum. The sugarcane is more prominent, with a brown sugar and spice aroma, and the palate tastes of sugarcane, enveloped in a buttery, toasty profile. There's also a subtle yet distinct minerality that reminds me of the "gunflint" notes found in French wines like Pouilly-Fume; all these elements continue into a long finish. I could imagine myself drinking this all day while relaxing in a hammock in the shade on a pristine, secluded Caribbean beach. I think I just came up with a vacation plan...

* Dense body with fine legs slowly descending the glass. * Medium aromatic intensity with floral and some citrus notes on the nose, evolving to wood, spices, sweets, and honey. A surprising ketone note can be perceived. * First sip is smooth and warm. This is a primarily sweet liqueur, with notes of dried fruit, molasses, and spices. Spicy sweets. It has a medium body. * The palate evolves progressively with a balanced character. The finish is almost medium in length and the final impression is dry and sweet. This is a moderately complex drink.

This is sold at 40% ABV where I live. My bottle's serial number is 26219 X, and it was bottled on May 25, 2020. Nose: 24, Palate: 20, Finish: 22, Body: 21. It offers a complex and adaptable sensory experience: notes of honey, macadamia, syrup, medicinal cherry, botanicals, dulce de leche, preserved plum, aged timber, and cured leaf. It might be overloaded with different elements, but complexity is preferable to a lack thereof. I enjoyed finishing this bottle immensely, though I ultimately found its finish a touch more abrasive than I would have preferred. Nevertheless, it's a very commendable spirit.

The nose has scents of oak and definitely bourbon, all enveloped in molasses. When sipped neat, the flavors are bourbon, oak, and what I can only describe as sugary alcohol that coats the sides of my tongue. The retro-hale brings notes of dark cola or soft drink. While it's just acceptable for sipping, it performs very well when mixed, especially in the common "rum-n-coke." It's not excessively sweet and provides the rum flavor (and potency!) without being overpowering. This rating is based on sipping it neat.

The Imperial and Imperial onyx are both fantastic. Imperial offers a subtle smokiness alongside hints of caramel, tobacco, vanilla, and spice. Onyx intensifies the smoke and the previously mentioned flavors due to its charring process with onyx stones, imparting vegetal notes.

Amber gold color in the glass. Vanilla, burnt oak and spice on the nose. Burnt sugar, vanilla and citrus on the palate. Dry finishes with vanilla sugar and a tingling burn on the tongue. Not the most complex rum, but a big vanilla bomb.