Rum Rum is the spirit that where it is from, determines its flavour profile. Each region has its own way of blending and ageing the final product for desired results. Sugar cane is like tofu…it will take on the characteristics of its soil, and, for example, Jamaican rum will take on tropical fruit characteristics, while Barbados has that wonderful espresso style aroma produced from volcanic soil. The standouts in this year’s competition are Flor de Caña’s 25 Year Old Artisanal blend from Nicaragua, and Zaya Gran Reserva from Trinidad & Tobago. Both have great expressions of caramel, and tropical notes, but the Flor de Caña, being aged in exbourbon casks, has a smoky elegance that is too smooth to pass up. One glass turns into another! Darren Fabian
This is an innovative venture, given that Viña Falernia is produced in the Elqui Valley. Chile’s most northerly wine estate is a considerable distance from the country’s main
BEST IN CLASS (TIE) Flor de Caña Tradicion Artisanal 25 Year Old Nicaragua $175-180 CSPC 764903
Vina Falernia Elqui Valley – Chile
Zaya Gran Reserva Rum Trinidad and Tobago $69 CSPC 710296
winegrowing areas. The driving force has been a passion for the wine and the challenge of transforming a tract of desert into a green vineyard. With enormous potential for producing premium wines, we have availed ourselves of the latest technology, the support
JUDGES’ SELECTION Penny Blue XO Single Estate Mauritian Rum Mauritius $65-67 CSPC 766442
of agronomists from Chile’s universities, and of worldrenowned oenologists.
Lemon Hart Navy Spiced Rum Guyana $27-30 CSPC 756856
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