Review by: The Auditor

Review #1201; Rum #515

Here we have a bottling done by the Velier brand in partnership with a distiller on the island of Reunion (I would guess Savanna but it could be multiple). This molasses based rum is a blend of 3 traditional rums, a 10, 12, and 15 year rum. The other component is a 10 year old aged Grand Arome rum. These were all aged in ex-French oak on the island of Savanna before being blended together and bottled at 50%.

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Distillery: Savanna

Bottler: Velier

Region: Savanna

Still: Column

Cask: ex-French Oak

ABV: 50%

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Nose: Touch of Vinegar, Brine, Raisins, Dark Chocolate, Over-Ripe Mango, a touch of sweat

Palate:   Medium mouthfeel, Vinegar, Raisins, Dark Chocolate, Over-Ripe Mano, Brine, metallic tinge, touch of sweat, minerality

Finish: Long Finish, Brine, Vinegar, Raisins, Dark Chocolate, Toasted Coconut, Over-Ripe Mango, Pear, Minerality

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Conclusion: This is an excellent rum. The addition of the grand arome elevates this from a great rum to excellent. The weird industrial and over-ripe fruit notes that come from the aged grand arome are so unique and make this a challenging dram. However, compared to some of the single casks of aged grand arome I’ve tried, this is by far the most approachable and balance while still having enough character that it sort of muscles out the traditional a bit.

Final Score: 91

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.