The standard of Santa Teresa 1796 Solera Rum has remained impressively constant, no less than throughout our two tastings in 2013 and 2020. Presumably, it’s been that manner since Hacienda Santa Teresa, Venezuela’s oldest rum producer, first launched the model again in 1992. And through all that point, the 1796 Solera expression has stood alone. Till now. This fall, the venerable rum producer determined to lastly broaden their portfolio with a line extension that includes the model’s first triple aged expression. The flagship 1796 is aged solera-style in ex-bourbon and ex-Cognac casks, however this new providing sees a further 13 months of ending time in casks that beforehand held whisky from Scotland’s Speyside area. Has this been carried out earlier than? Solely Mount Homosexual’s Peat Smoke Expression, which was completed in Islay whisky casks, involves thoughts. Let’s test it out.
Like the unique providing, the aroma nonetheless skews towards the wine-forward with virtually sherried notes of dried currants and almonds. It’s not fairly as savory, nevertheless, maybe aided by some barley sugar from the Speyside whisky cask end. Because it opens, light baking spice and musty oak notes arrive, and people early nutty notes get a lightweight dusting of confectioners’ sugar. The palate can also be fairly winey, once more not not like the flagship, with notes of grape pores and skin and dried darkish fruits, however there’s a bit extra sweetness at play with early notes of molasses and brown sugar that stretch into the end, bolstered by baking spice and a bit darkish chocolate. The cask ending isn’t that noticeable till the end, when these sweeter, darker notes flip a bit brighter and malty with some lingering, peppery oak and a touch of campfire smoke. A worthy, if solely barely nuanced, tackle the unique expression. And nonetheless a fantastic worth for sipping or cocktailing.
92 proof.
A- / $50 / santateresarum.com
Santa Teresa 1796 Speyside Whisky Cask End
$50
