Angel's Share Intro and Credit
I came across this bottle while shopping at one of my local stores and realized that the overall look of the product was quite different than I remembered. I selected the last bottle on the shelf with the hopes of giving it a proper review in mind. Angostura 1919 Grand Reserve rum has an intriguing marketing story, and I recommend reading it if you are so inclined. This is a molasses-based rum that is made using a continuous column still rum and aged in used bourbon barrels for seven to nine years at the company’s aging facilities in the Port of Spain, Trinidad. Older incarnations of this product had an age statement of eight years. The final product is blended to 40% ABV and packaged in 750 ml bottles for the U.S. market.
Appearance
Over the years I have seen the bottle evolve from a heavy-based bottle with a large wooden cap that was sold in a filigreed box. The second incarnation was a taller bottle, had different labels, had a cheaper cap, and was sold in white boxes. Now the new bottling uses a short-necked, bottom-heavy bottle that uses an eye-catching multicolored security wrap covering the neck and cap of the bottle. The top of the bottle has the Angostura butterfly emblem that matches the logo on the front label. Removing the wrap revealed the wooden cap, holding a synthetic cork secure to the bottle. The front and back labels provide basic information about the rum, with the back label having the bonus of a QR code with additional product information.
The liquid in the bottle and glass holds a dark golden amber color in the bottle and lightens slightly in the glass. Swirling the liquid produces a thin band that thickens and releases multiple waves of slow- and fast-moving legs before leaving a ring of residue around the tasting glass.
Aroma
The aroma leads with a strong vanilla note that is followed by oak char, dark cacao, baking spices, praline, and dried fruit.
Palate
The sweet vanilla and oak notes swirl on the tongue as the alcohol conditions the palate. Spice notes of nutmeg, baking spices, and ginger form the midline as the dark cacao and charred oak barrel tannins form the base. Additional sips reveal the dried fruit from the aroma, such as dried apricots, raisins, honeyed pineapple, and coconut. The oak tannins emerge and form a long mineral rich finish that lingers on the palate for quite some time.
Review
I picked this rum up with no expectations other than that it was a known, respected brand to me, and I was not disappointed by the dynamic flavor profile. Serviceable as a cocktail ingredient and sipping rum, it delivers good value, and the price lands right with other rums in this age category. I particularly enjoyed the interplay of the oak tannins with the fruit and spice notes, as it added a level of complexity that was pleasant to experience. For those interested in experiencing a mid-range rum from Trinidad and Tobago, I find this rum to be an easy recommendation for rum enthusiasts who enjoy sipping rums.
