La Maison & Velier — often known as La Maison du Whisky — lately launched a brand new collection of rums referred to as the Transcontinental Rum Line (aka TCRL). Full with maritime labels, this line is “impressed by the historic journeys of rum barrels between the New World and the Outdated Continent,” and consists of releases from in every single place. Right this moment we’re a few of the line’s most prized choices — a set of single cask releases which can be typically accessible solely in sure areas. We obtained a set of small samples of six rums from the TCRL. Let’s see how they fare.
All are 700ml bottles. The ultimate three haven’t all been launched; we’ll replace pricing if/after we get it.
Transcontinental Rum Line Single Cask Venezuela 2008 – Aged 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels in Venezuela, then 3 years in Europe. 212 bottles produced. A powerhouse on the nostril, that includes overtones of darkish brewed espresso and flippantly smoky barrel char. Chewy sweetness on the palate runs to fig jam, maple, and crushed cocktail cherries, and just a little milk chocolate. Extra espresso and a sucker punch of figs on the end. Actually superb stuff, and wholly approachable at full proof; by no means received the prospect to strive it with water. 124.4 proof. A / $100
Transcontinental Rum Line Single Cask Jamaica 2012 – No further manufacturing data accessible. Basic, aggressive pot distillate, with that massive hogo nostril and a mountain of overripe fruit to push by way of — torched pineapple and lime leaf in a swirl. The palate is much less candy than the nostril would lead you to consider, displaying comparatively subdued fruit and a few rhubarb jam paired with caramel syrup and toasted marshmallow notes. Gentle, barely dusty hogo on the end. Examine to a few of the latest, extra-aged Appleton releases. 110 proof. A- / $100
Transcontinental Rum Line Single Cask El Salvador 2007 – Aged in El Salvador for 10 1/2 years, then in Europe for 3 1/3 years. 230 bottles produced. Salvadorean rum is one thing of a rarity, although not unknown round right here. Muted nostril, with notes of pepper and char dominant. With time in glass, the aromatics develop into flippantly nutty, with espresso parts constructing. The palate doesn’t really feel prefer it says loads, but it surely does drive its message dwelling with targeted notes of raisin, baking spice, and a few lingering potpourri on the end. Unassuming and surprisingly innocent for this abv. 127.8 proof. B+ / $140
Transcontinental Rum Line Single Cask Australia 2007 – Aged in ex-bourbon casks in Australia for 10 years, then 5 extra in Europe. 250 bottles produced. Funky, and fairly highly effective, with a vegetal edge on the nostril — barely weedy at instances. A reasonably savory expertise on the palate, the hogo is thick with this one, tempering notes of prune and darkish chocolate. Extra greenery arrives on the end, alongside some mildly astringent, heady camphor notes. For adventurers solely. 131.4 proof. B / $NA
Transcontinental Rum Line Single Cask Barbados 2011 – Aged in Barbados for 8 years, 3 years in Europe, all ex-bourbon barrels. 260 bottles produced. Basic, fruity profile, with aromas of spiced apples, coconut, and ample vanilla — with overtones of cafe au lait. Bursting with taste, it virtually comes throughout like a spiced rum, with a very lingering milk chocolate observe. 139.6 proof. A- / $NA
Transcontinental Rum Line Single Cask Guyana 2014 – Aged in Europe for 8 years in refill rum casks. 240 bottles produced. Aggressive maple syrup and vanilla notes on the nostril, with a barely saccharine Brach’s sweet character. The aroma alone is nearly an excessive amount of, and the palate is equally overblown, with notes of wooden polish mixing fitfully with notes of butterscotch, dates, and extra maple. A biting petrol character lingers. 117.6 proof. B- / $NA
Transcontinental Rum Line Single Cask Venezuela 2008
$100
