Review by: The Auditor

This sample was provided to me by a producer, distributor, or some other industry source free-of-charge. No compensation, outside of the sample, was received and there were no strings attached. You can read our full statement of Ethics & Transparency at this link.

Alambique Serrano is a single origin Oaxacan from a family owned distillery with 3 generations of distilling history. Brothers Isidoro, Rommel, William, and Axel are descendants of Max Peralta who immigrated to Mexico at the start of WW1 to escape the conflict in Germany.

 The family harvest the sugarcane from the hillsides above the distillery. These hills range from 2300-3900 feet above sea level. The cane is harvest by horse, donkey, or mules to the trapiche to be milled that day. Once approximately 10 tons of cane arrives at the mill it is crushed with a Campollo 9’ mill. The juice is filled before reaching the distillery. The fresh pressed cane juice arrives and is placed into 7 1200 liter stainless steel tanks where the juice ferments naturally with wild yeast. Fermentation lasts 6-10 days. For small batches that are distilled on the copper alembic stills, the juice ferments in 3 pine vats with naturally occurring yeasts. There are two stills on the property, a Column Still built by Max Peralata and a Copper Pot Alembic Still.

This is blend #2 which combine two different batches of rum distilled by Rommel Krassel in his 300 liter copper alembic still. A single cask rested in highly toasted new French oak is blended with a hint of unaged pot still rum. This rum was fermented in pine tanks for 6-10 days with ambient yeast. 213 liters of this rum is the 9 month virgin French oak aged rum that was also rested for 9 months in open topped glass Demijohns. 40 liters of this rum is the unaged pot still rum that was rested for 16 months in open topped demijohns.

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Nose: Figs, Plum, Bell Pepper, mint, Raspberry, Lemongrass

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Raspberry, Bell Pepper, Plum, Mint, Cinnamon, Allspice, Dark Chocolate, Lemongrass

Finish: Long finish, dark chocolate, Raspberry, Mint, Allspice, Iodine, Plum, Lemongrass

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Conclusion: Wow, what an excellent rum. The virgin French Oak brings some great notes here, but I suspect the small bit of unaged pot still rum really helps it to stand up against the ageing. Great fruits, spices, and a bit of chocolate tie it together. Some of the unaged cane juice notes like lemongrass and bell pepper come through too to make for an excellent experience.

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.