Review by: The Auditor
Here we have something fun and what was much needed in the US market from El Dorado. The base El Dorado expressions are already well known blends from DDL and much enjoyed. Throw in the number of independent bottlers bringing DDL to market and its one of the most represented distilleries in the US. However here we have their new Single Still Cask Strength line which shows off the single stills DDL has, but this rum is also aged entirely in Guyana and bottled at cask strength. Let’s give it a whirl.
Distillery: Demerara Distillers Limited
Bottler: El Dorado
Region: Guyana
Still: Port Mourant double wooden pot still
ABV: 56.7%. Cask strength.
Age: 12 years. Distilled in 2009. Bottled in 2021.
Cask type: Ex-Bourbon, 12 years in Guyana.
Price: $140.00
Color: Natural Color. Non-chill-filtered.
Nose: Toasted Brown Sugar, Espresso, Dark Chocolate, Black Tea, burnt caramel, coconut
Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Dark Chocolate, Espresso, Black Tea, a hint of vanilla, soy sauce
Finish: Long length finish, Coffee, dark chocolate, black tea, vanilla, burnt caramel, black pepper
Conclusion: This is a great release and kind of what I wanted from El Dorado in terms of Port Mourant. It’s really savory and leans into that slightly burnt profile. The thick and oily mouthfeel and long finish really elevate compared to a number of other DDL bottlings I have had. However, for being always available part of the lineup it’s a great addition.
Final Score: 91
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.
Malt Runners 