Bambarra 8 Year Reserve

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

Bambarra 8 Year Old Reserve Rum is medium amber to copper in color. Delicate, complex, and very inviting aromas of sweet vanilla, brown sugar, oak, light smoke, and just a hint of alcohol lure you in for your first taste. Initial taste reveals a full body and silky smoothness with just a hint of warmth. Flavors are muted and slightly sweet keeping true to the aromas. The finish is sweet & spicy, long, and very pleasing.

Anecdotal Notes
Bambarra was launched late in 2008 and is available mainly in the the Turks and Caicos islands.  The bulk rum is produced by a large distiller in the southern Caribbean, and shipped to the Turks and Caicos in plastic barrels, basically halting the aging process to maintain batch consistency. The art of blending and marrying the rum to obtain the flavor profile desired, prior to bottling, occurs in the Turks and Caicos.

I was fortunate to pick up the 8 Year Old Reserve rum in Miami at the Rum Renaissance Festival event during May 2009 in Miami.  The bottle is unique and handsome. It’s made in France and is short and heavy. It has a nice colorful black label with native dancers and musicians in costume. It has a silver screw cap topper.

Bambarra was inspired by one of the original settlements in striking Middle Caicos, it takes its name from the home of the African settlers who were delivered, by destiny, to the Turks and Caicos aboard the wrecked slave trader Trouvadore in 1841.

Taster's Opinion
Roger - Bambarra 8 Year Old Reserve is an outstanding rum and amazing value. Extremely smooth and favorful rum like this is only meant to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The downside is its only available in the Turks and Caicos. If you find yourself in the islands there be sure to acquire a few bottles of this nectar to bring back home with you. It will be your favorite souvenir from an amazingly beautiful chain of islands.  

Taster's Rating (10 is best): Roger - 8.5 Flasks

Most Recently reviewed by: Roger, July 2009, in RnD’s North Tasting Room, USA

*750ml unless otherwise stated.