Objective Notes
Extremely Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth)

Angostura Single Barrel Reserve displays an attractive, medium- dark reddish mahogany color.  Rich aromas of vanilla, cocoa, oak, sweet caramel are most evident, followed by mildly spicy scents (cinnamon & clove - add a little ice to bring out some anise and peat), alcohol.  The aromas are rather forward – a characteristic of Angostura’s aged rums – but less intense than their 12 year old 1824 or even  the eight year old 1919.

Initial tasting reveals a sweet rum in classic Angostura style, heavy on the oaken vanilla, caramel, and mildly fruity, as if it’s blended, filtered and crafted exactly to a target profile and type of drinker (which it is).  A soft and creamy body like warm caramel, gives the rum substantial density, while adding ice stiffens it’s backbone.  A lengthy finish has vanilla trickling down your throat while a sweet taste remains on the tip of your tongue, the hearty presence languishes in your mouth not unlike Scotch, but with a sweeter flavor of course (ice adds a mild edge). Anecdotal Notes
Appleton 21 year old is made from rums aged a minimum of 21 years, blended, then married once more in casks for at least another year. Only 12,000 bottles are made in any year, and each bottled is numbered and includes a descriptive pamphlet about Appleton and their rich heritage of producing rum since 1749. The 21 year old rum is the product of Master Blender Joy Spence, who carries well the distinction of being both chemist and artist.

Anecdotal Notes

Curiously, Angostura uses the same bottle for their aggressively marketed Single Barrel Reserve as is used by their more affordable Royal Oak rum (an extremely popular Caribbean staple rum).  You’d think the Big A would train a bigger gun on HMS Johnny Walker, but maybe their thinking is: “similar sized bottle, but ours is round instead of Johnny’s being square.”  In any event, we’re far more concerned about the contents than the package, and they don’t disappoint.  For a refreshingly objective explanation of rum making in the caribbean, see Angostura’s webpage The Technology of Rum Making.

Taster’s Opinion

Dave –  I purchased Angostura Single Barrel during a brief stopover in Trinidad in December 2010.  I was intrigued by the marketing angle (a rum for Scotch drinkers) and attracted by the low price.  I can’t vouch for the first part, that’s up to Scotch drinkers to decide, but the price is low and the rum is high quality, especially considering its price.  For my tastes,, Angostura Single Barrel Reserve stands on its own two legs just fine, delivering a fine rum at a bargain price.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave – 8 Flasks.

 

Most recently tasted by:  Dave, April 2011 at RnD’s South Tasting Room, USA.

*750ml unless otherwise specified.