Angel's Share Title
The rums for this blend are chosen from a combination of Barbados and Guyana rums that are aged five years in the Caribbean and then an additional five years in Spain by Williams & Hubert. After this ten year aging process in used bourbon barrels, the rum is aged for three years in Palo Cortado sherry casks and two years in 20 year old Pedro Ximenez casks. The rum under the supervision of Master Blender Paola Medina is finally blended using a solera system and bottled at 42% ABV.
Appearance
The rum is an opaque dark chocolate color that is barely translucent in the bottle and lightens in the glass with ruby highlights. Swirling the liquid creates a tight, thin band around the glass. The band slowly beads up, thickens, and releases a combination of slow- and fast-moving legs in three waves before evaporating, leaving a ring of residue in its wake.
Aroma
The aroma leads with sweet vanilla, followed by notes of red berries, toffee, and smoky oak.
Palate
The sweet, caramelized vanilla and raisin notes lead with the alcohol tingling around the edge of the mouth. A milk chocolate note manifests briefly mid-palate, replaced by charred wood notes and warm cinnamon spices. This transitions to a lighter wood astringency and forms a subdued, brief, wood- and mineral-rich finish.
Review
I found the triple-age method used to create this rum compelling, and the sherry cask influence is undeniable. Their use of additives in some form is also present, proven by tactile and hydrometer testing. While comparing this rum to other rums in the Dos Maderas line, this one ranks the sweetest of the three when compared to the 5+3 and 5+5. If you enjoy sherry cask finished rums that are on the sweeter side of the flavor spectrum, this rum is an easy recommendation. However, if you do not enjoy rums with strong sherry cask influences, you should sample this rum before purchasing it. Personally, I prefer the 5+3 or 5+5 because the wood notes have a stronger presence in the flavor profile and are a more versatile cocktail ingredient.
