Engenhos do Norte 970 Edition 15 Year 2004

Review by: The Auditor

Review #1121; Rum #442

This rum comes from Rum 970, probably the most common brand of Madeira rum that is known. This rum was distilled at Engenhos de Norte’s from fresh pressed sugar cane juice on a pot still. It was then aged for 15 years in ex-Madeira wine casks before being bottled.

Distillery: Engenhos de Norte

Bottler: Engenhos de Norte

Region: Madeira

Still: Pot

ABV: 50.9%

Cask: Ex-Madeira 15 Year

Nose: Plums, Figs, Nuttiness,  Chai, Orange Peel

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Orange Peel, Plum, Fig, Nuttiness, touch of leather, black tea

Finish: Medium length finish, grape skin, orange peel, plum, nuttiness, black tea, cinnamon, chai

Conclusion: This is very good. The fruits are nice and the oak is well balanced. However, compared to the other old cane juice rums I’ve had, this seems to miss the mark a bit. I feel the Madeira cask aging is a bit too intensive.

Final Score: 85

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.

Published by The Auditor

Unknown's avatar

I have drank my fair amount of single malt but got started writing reviews about Single Malt and Bourbon in 2018. Over 1000 total reviews later and I focus mainly on Sugar Cane Spirits now. However, single malt is a still a spirits category I enjoy greatly as is Agave and Brandy. I wouldn’t go as far as to call myself an expert but I am the resident Rum obsessed writer for Malt Runners.

Leave a comment