Angel's Share Title
Admiral Rodney Officer’s Release No. 1 2006 Port Cask Finish
The Admiral Rodney rum line is produced on the island of Saint Lucia by the Saint Lucia Rum Distillers Company, a branch of Spiribam. The rum is named after British Navy officer George Brydges Rodney, who is famous in Saint Lucia for defending the island from a French invasion in 1782. This was part of what was later called the “Battle of the Saintes” where the British soundly defeated the French in key strategic areas of the Caribbean leading to their naval dominance in the region. While Admiral Rodney is part of the core portfolio of Saint Lucia Distillers, the “Officers Release No. 1 is a new vintage incarnation for fans of the line to explore and enjoy.
The rum in the bottle is a blend of Coffey Column Stills rums that were produced in March 2006. It is noted on the box that the Coffey Column Still has 45 plates and that all rums for this product were taken from the bottom plate. The rums were aged in used American white oak bourbon barrels for 13 years and then aged an additional nine months of European Port casks. The rum was blended to 45% ABV and bottled and boxed for distribution on the island.
Admiral Rodney Officer’s Release No. 1 2006 Port Cask Finish
Appearance
The 750 ml decanter style bottle is with a wooden cap securing the cork to the vessel. The cap on the top is of note because the coin on top has the battle cry “Break the Line” on it. While the gold band around the top of the cap has the words “Admiral Rodney Saint Lucia Rum” on it.The rum in the bottle has a dark mahogany color with ruby highlights in the bottle. These lightened slightly after being poured in the glass. Swirling the liquid created a thin band that formed several small tears that descended slowly down the glass as the band thickened.
Nose
Pouring the rum in the glass, the aroma of golden raisins fills the air, as the aroma subsides, I noted honeyed apricot, plums, Madagascar Vanilla, baking spices, and light toasted oak notes.
Palate
The first sip delivers a swirl of fruit flavors, with peach, brown and golden raisins, pears, honeyed dried apricot and baked plantains lingering around the palate. Additional sips provide notes of salt, dried tobacco leaf, anise, and dark chocolate. The interplay of wood notes creates a nice foundation for the other flavors contributing some light smoke, toffee, and spice elements but never really dominates. The flavors merge and swirl in a pleasant fruit and spice finish that is surprisingly dry and lingers on the palate for quite some time.
Review
From the aroma to the finish, I was pleased with this rum. Being familiar with other Admiral Rodney products it was easy to tell how the Port cask finish influenced the liquid with the sweet fruit flavors. This is a rum I would enjoy neat, no need for ice as the proof of the alcohol never overwhelms the palate instead elevating the blend of fruit and oak flavors creating an impressive balance that shows the skills of the blender used making this product. Available in the United States and Europe, this rum is worth picking up for anyone who enjoys Port cask finished rums. Cheers!
