Review by: The Auditor
Review #1076; Rum #404
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.
Nose: Vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, nutty, pepper
Palate: Medium mouthfeel, lemon, vanilla, nutmeg, nutty, peppery
Finish: Medium length finish, lemon, vanilla, nutty, peppery
Conclusion: 85
Final Score: A very good aged cane juice rum. Its strong with its spices. There is a hint of nuttiness as well. It shows a different side to these rums but it falls a bit short of the other offerings for me. Not as vibrant as the blends or cask #1 for me. But still a well produced rum that other folks palate’s will enjoy.
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 