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

Barceló Añejo is visibly golden and light amber in color. Hints of sweet caramel and mild alcohols are noted on the nose, and though it’s not highly aromatic, it is clean and inoffensive. The initial taste reveals a slight sharpness up front with mild heat and a light body. Flavors discovered are toasted wood or char, toffee, leather, and spicy cinnamon. The finish is fairly rapid with a toasted oak, anise, and cinnamon fade.

Anecdotal Notes
Roger – Barceló Añejo starts with the best sugarcane grown in the Dominican Republic and after crushing the cane stalks, the juice is heated and rended into a reduction, or honey, which is distilled in a state of the art column still. It is aged in oak barrels from Kentucky that previously held Bourbon. After a period of time aging in the oak barrels (up to 4 years) the master blender selects lots to be blended or married together before its bottled in the new updated bottle. The new packaging is much finer than the old one and is similar to the Gran Añejo bottle but with a dark label and gold foil neck and screw cap.

Taster’s Opinion
Roger – Barceló Añejo is the younger sibling of Barcelo Gran Añejo and Barcelo Imperial. It has similar characteristics but is a little less refined and complex as you would expect in a rum aged a few to several years less. Its a solid rum for a blend up to 4 years old. It’s beast enjoyed in your favorite rum based cocktail or possibly on the rocks or even neat if you like the warmth and fire of a young aged rum. Priced very well for it’s quality its a no-brainer to seek this one out for an everyday mixer. You can’t go wrong with the Barcelo brand.

Dave - Wonderful aromas of oaky caramel and light milk chocolate get your attention like a kid in a candy store, and the taste just builds from there.  Ron Barceló Añejo’s sweet, substantial, smooth body delivers delicious flavors that define how good an affordable rum can be.  Rums of the Dominican Republic can be exquisite, noteworthy among them are Barceló’s Imperial Premium Blend 21, Bermudez’ 1852 Anniversario and Brugal’s Siglo de Oro.  But the real story of the eastern side of Hispaniola are the rums affordable enough for everyday drinking.  Barceló Añejo leaves little to be desired and everything to be savored; it’s a celebration of relaxed island life in a bottle.  Neat or mixed, Salud!

Most recently reviewed by: Roger and Dave in February, 2010 at RnD's North and South tasting rooms, USA.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):
Roger - 7.5 Flasks, Dave - 7.5 Flasks