Tasted by Drinks Trade: Guyana and Barbados rum

According to this CGA by NIQ report, sales of rum in Australia’s on-premise have continued to grow by both volume and value despite overall spirits contracting by 8.1%. Cost of living pressures have been widely identified as primary catalyst. Interestingly, this new growth comes from the golden rum sector, which rose 7.6%, whereas white rum dropped 9.3%.

Drinks Trade caught up with Mauro Ribeiro, Founder of Expedition Trade, to discuss his thoughts on the category and to taste through some of his Guyana and Barbados portfolios.

El Dorado 3 Year Old (white rum)

About: Laid in oak for three years, then double filtered through natural charcoal to remove colour. Made in Guyana.
Our thoughts: “White rum with loads of character, both in terms of texture and flavour. crisp citrus, vanilla, herbaceous. Aromatic nose. Quite powerful flavour that opens up and broadens. Rich texture.
Who’s it for: “A perfect way to increase depth and complexity to rum-based cocktails, this is a white rum that bartenders - at home and in trade - would likely enjoy experimenting with. So much depth of flavour and personality allows this to really shine in drinks.”

ABV: 40%
Owner/distributor: Diamond distillery / Expedition Trade / ALM / Paramount
LUC/RRP: $61 / $80

El Dorado 15 Year Old

About: Aged at least 15 years in oak barrels, using the Enmore and Diamond Coffey Stills, the Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still (which provides an earthy, peat-like finish) and the Versailles Single Wooden Pot Still. A rum from Guyana.
Our thoughts: “Rich, powerful and amazingly complex, but with an overarching balance. Dense layers upon layers of wood, molasses sweetness, coffee grounds, vanilla, spice. Lasts forever, with a real assertive and slightly tannic mouthfeel.”
Who’s it for: “A sipping rum obviously tailored to premium spirits drinkers, but also a potential candidate for drinkers of other spirits categories - especially whisk(e)y and/or tequila - who might not have considered premium sipping rums.”

ABV: 40%
Owner/distributor: Diamond distillery / Expedition Trade / ALM / Paramount
LUC/RRP: $91 / $137

Pusser’s Rum Gunpowder Proof

About: A traditional Royal Navy style rum produced in Guyana at “original Admiralty strength and in accordance with the Admiralty’s blending recipe last used when the Royal Navy discontinued its daily ration on 31 July 1970.”
Our thoughts: “Real funky and rich. Starts with a strong rustic molasses note, with vegetal and woody elements then entwining throughout. The sharp entry fades slightly into a softer, slightly oily mouthfeel. So much flavour concentration and power as a result of its higher abv.
Who’s it for: “Being the original Royal Navy rum, Pusser’s Rum is arguably one of the most traditional rums available today both in terms of history and profile. A great rum for curious drinkers who like to read into the stories and thought-processes behind the bottles they’re consuming/purchasing. The bottle and branding really encourages these thoughts.

ABV: 54.5%
Owner/distributor: Pusser’s Rum Ltd / Expedition Trade / ALM / Paramount
LUC/RRP: $83 / $110

Doorly’s Fine X.O.

About: A blend of rums from 6 to 10 years old. First ageing is done in American Oak, with finishing performed in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks. Made at the Foursquare Distillery in Barbados.
Our thoughts: “A little softer and simpler, more approachable, with loads of vanilla on the palate, along with brown sugar, nougat, raisins and some vegetal notes. Altogether a little on the drier side of life. An easygoing, approachable style with an intriguing balance to it.”
Who’s it for: “Another strong sipping rum alternative, with the drier profile likely suiting it better to certain palates.”

ABV: 43%
Owner/distributor: Foursquare Rum / Expedition Trade / ALM / Paramount
LUC/RRP: $81 / $100

R.L. Seale’s 10 year old

About: a brand that was founded in 1926 by Reginald Leon Seale and currently still operated by Richard Seale, Master Distiller and Master Blender of Foursquare Rum Distillery.
Our thoughts: “Elegant and balanced and perhaps more on the drier vegetal side, with green oak, coffee, chocolate, brown sugar. loads of complexity. Long finish with hints of wild funky florals.”
Who’s it for: “Another high-quality, premium sipping rum that has potential to be positioned as an alternative to rum drinkers to shop up, or for drinkers of other spirits to try out the category. The unique bottle shape - designed to mimic the old style leather flask pirates used to keep their rum in - stands out on the shelf/back bar.”

ABV: 46%
Owner/distributor: Foursquare Rum / Expedition Trade / ALM / Paramount
LUC/RRP: $92 / $130

Foursquare 2011 Exceptional Casks

About: 2011 vintage rum hand selected by Master Distiller Richard Seale. Aged on-site at Foursquare Distillery in Barbados for 12 years in first, second, and third-fill ex-bourbon barrels.
Our thoughts: “Rich, powerful, balanced, with so much texture supporting. Starts punchy and fruit-forward, then blooms into a richer tannic back-end of deep oak wood, dark choc, and brown sugar.So many layers of fruit and flavour.”
Who's it for: “A very serious rum, with the limited quantities obviously dictating its reach and scope. This is the sort of spirit that regular consumers of the above five rums (or their loved ones) would consider buying to treat themselves during birthdays/Christmas.”

ABV: 60%
Owner/distributor: Foursquare Rum / Expedition Trade / ALM / Paramount
LUC/RRP: $140 / $200

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Expedition Trade has also been announced as the new importer of Ian Burrell’s Equiano Rum.

To learn more about Expedition Trade and the above whiskies, contact 0406808915 or mr@expeditiontrade.com.au, or visit its website here.