Atlantico Private Cask

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

A gorgeous mahogany amber color alerts your nose to deep honey sweet aromas, initially of fresh cane, maple and brown sugars, followed by molasses, walnuts, dried apricot, vanilla, smoked wood, tobacco, spruce and cardamom.  Such is Atlanticos’ fragrance that it may swell your eyes to tears, with just the slightest hint of cane and lemon grass, and thankfully, no offensive alcohol odors.  As for the initial taste, consider the complex aromas as a preview, to be repeated deep in the flavors, but initiated by a surprising bonus of light smokiness and oaken vanilla.  The body is big but not overweight, wonderfully filling and healthy but also refined, with a buttery smooth finish of consistent and long lasting caramel.

Anecdotal Notes
New to the US market in 2008, Atlantico follows in the fine tradition set by other delicious rums from the DR. The makers of Ron Atlantico Private Cask wote us to say their rum “is handpicked from the finest small batched aged rums and further aged in used bourbon  barrels, then aged a third time, resulting in what they feel, is a highly flavorful, complex and smooth rum”.  After tasting, we have to agree.  Atlantico Private Cask exudes craftsmanship, from the aging and blending of the spirit, the the finished product, where each numbered bottle is filled, corked, and initialed by hand.

Slide open the lid of Atlantico’s rustic, slender wooden box and you’ll find a corked, square section bottle with a logo so attractive, it could be a sailor’s tattoo.  Two anchors form the legs of the “A”, pointing toward a pair of rum barrels and some cane stalks.  Rum and sailing are two of my [Dave] greatest obsessions; intimately bound, the stuff of legends, of both success and ruin.  “But how does it taste?” you want to know.  Let me simply say; that big bold “A” in the Atlantico’s logo stands for more than their name.  In fact, it’s the grade on Atlantico’s report card.

Taster's Opinion
Dave - Regular viewers of this site already know I’m a big fan of the Dominican Republic. Their higher end rums rank among the world’s most delicious and complex, with prices that won’t stretch your wallet (unless you go off the deep end.)  Needless to say, I hoped that Atlantico would add to the DR’s excellent reputation, and I m pleased to report: “Well done!”.

Roger - What a great new rum from the Dominican Republic! I really enjoyed the complex flavors and sweetness the rum offers and it's beautiful presentation. It's not yet widely available in the USA, but when you can find it, do yourself a favor and buy it The complex sweet flavors and smoothness are something you'll really savor and at a reasonable price for such high quality rum it can be an everyday pleasure.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  

Dave - 9.5 Flasks

Roger - 9.5 Flasks

Most Recently reviewed by: Dave and Roger, December 2008 in RnD's respective South and North tasting rooms, USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.