Review by: The Auditor

Review #1212; Rum #526

This is a bottling done between dependent bottler Velier and the Savanna distillery located on Reunion island. This rum is HERR, High Ester Rum Reunion that is pot distilled from molasses and is considered a high ester release. This rum was put into a Cognac cask in February for 12 years in the tropics (Reunion) before being bottled at cask strength with no additives for Velier.

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Distillery: Savanna

Bottler: Velier

Region: Reunion

Still: Pot

Cask: Ex-Cognac

ABV: 63.2%

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Nose: Pungent, Raspberry, Vanilla, Apple Cider Vinegar, Bubblegum, Over-Ripe lime juice, Star Anise, Olive Brine, Vicks Vapor Rub, Black Tea, BBQ Sauce

Palate:   Thick oily mouthfeel, Vanilla, Vinegar, Bubblegum, Raspberry, Star Anise, Lime Juice, Olive Brine, touch of sweatiness, Black Tea, Apple, Mango, BBQ Sauce

Finish:  Long finish, Star Anise, Raspberry, Lime Juice, Bubblegum, Apple Cider Vinegar, Touch of Sweatiness, Black Tea, Mango, BBQ Sauce

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Conclusion: Aged Grand Aromes, and now having had an aged HERR from Savanna, are up there as some of the best rums Ive tasted and this one is no exception. It is intense, pungent, and wild with its flavors. It is still well balanced and drinks below its proof, with those wild mixes of spices and flavors that linger forever. Simply a perfect rum for me with how incredibly complex it is.

Final Score: 100

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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.