Review by: The Auditor

Review #1182; Rum #497

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.

Here we have a blend of rums from Alambique Serrano, a brand of single origin Oaxcan rum. This rum was distilled by brothers Rommel, Axel, & William Krassel in Santa Maria Tlalixtae, Oaxaca. The cane used for this rum was the Java varietal which was crushed for cane juice. The rum was fermented in stainless steel vats and wooden pine tanks with ambient yeasts.

This rum is blend with following components:

32% Pot Still: Aged 6 months in ex-Mezcal cask

27% Pot Still: aged 19 months in first use French Oak

23% Pot Still: aged 17 months in first use French Oak then rested 3 months in open glass demijohns

18%: Krassel Still: aged 21 months in ex-bourbon

This blend was bottled at cask strength with no additives.

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Distillery: Alambique Serrano

Bottler: Alambique Serrano

Region: Mexico

Cask: Blend

ABV: 63.4%

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Nose: Candied Orange Peel, Lemon Peel, Touch of leather, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Dark chocolate, Figs, Clove

Palate:  Thick oily mouthfeel, Touch of vegetal, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Lemon Peel, Figs, Clove, Touch of leather, Brine, Earthy

Finish:  Long Finish, Black Tea, Vegetal, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Lemon Peel, Earthy, Clove, Figs, Leather, Cinnamon

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Conclusion: I’ve had a few of these releases now and these blends continue to be exceptional examples of just how good a well crafted blend of rums can be. The spices, fruits, and touch of more savory flavors all tied together by a spicy backbone of vegetalness make for an excellent rum expression.

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.