Four small bottles, four countries. Peru, Panama, Guyana and Guatemala sit side by side in the same box, and they do not sound alike. Rum is not one language but a handful of dialects, and here you can hear the difference in a single evening.
The expert's description
Rum Nation Miniature Giftbox Single Domaine Rum is a set of four Rum bottlings from Peru, Panama, Guyana and Guatemala, matured in ex-Bourbon casks and bottled between 40% and 42%.
The box holds four releases from Rum Nation's Limited Edition range: Peruano 8 years at 42%, Panama 10 years at 40%, Demerara Solera No 14 at 40% and Guatemala Gran Reserva at 40%. All four are made from molasses, and all four are what Rum Nation calls Single Domaine, meaning Rum from one place of origin rather than a blend across countries.
Peruano 8 years has spent eight years in ex-Bourbon casks and is the liveliest of the four. Panama 10 years is column distilled and carries ten years in ex-Bourbon casks. Guatemala Gran Reserva is matured on the solera principle in ex-Bourbon casks in the highlands around Río Hondo. Demerara Solera No 14 is the darkest: distillates from both pot still and column still in Guyana, mainly matured in ex-Bourbon casks and then finished for around twelve months in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. That is the one pulling the set in a heavier direction.
Rum Nation was founded in 1999 by the Italian oenologist Fabio Rossi under the family firm Rossi & Rossi in Treviso. The idea came to him when he stumbled across old casks from Guyana and Jamaica in a Scottish whisky warehouse. In November 2018 the Danish Mac Y Group A/S bought the label, which has since traded as Rum Nation International A/S. Rossi & Rossi still produces, and Fabio Rossi remains involved as an advisor.
Tasting notes
Nose
The set covers a lot of ground. Peruano opens softly with hay, peach and a trace of mocha. Panama is lighter and sweeter, with acacia honey and sun-dried raisins. Guatemala gives vanilla, orange peel and caramel. Demerara is the estery counterweight, with fermented fruit, cola and bergamot.
Palate
Peruano moves fastest: caramel, vanilla, dried fruit and a hint of smoke. Panama is light bodied but softly unctuous, with milk chocolate and a touch of apricot. Guatemala settles around the palate with vanilla, mild spice and lightly salted caramel. Demerara goes the other way and delivers molasses, dark chocolate, coffee and a roasted bitterness with black tea.
Finish
Peruano turns warm and spicy with oak and chocolate. Panama closes cleanly and calmly without tiring. Guatemala ends toasted and sweet. Demerara lasts the longest and swings between herbal bitterness and syrup, almost like vermouth.
Specifications
Name: Rum Nation Miniature Giftbox Single Domaine Rum 4x5 cl 40-42%
Bottler: Rum Nation
Region/Country: Peru, Panama, Guyana and Guatemala
Type: Single Domaine Rum
ABV: 40-42%
Size: 4x5 CL
Cask type: Ex-Bourbon casks, Demerara Solera No 14 finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks
Non-chill filtered: No
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Column distilled, Demerara Solera No 14 blended with pot still distillate
Edition: Limited Edition
Serving suggestion: Pour at room temperature in a tulip shaped glass and taste from light to dark
Flavour profile
Fruity · Sweet · Spicy · Sherry matured · Chocolate
Did you know?
The name is Italian and the labels carry old postage stamps, but the owner today sits in Karup on the Jutland heath. Mac Y Group bought Rum Nation in 2018, so one of Italy's most respected rum houses is in fact Danish.
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