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

A medium mahogany amber color promises great things, quickly satisfied by incredibly appealing aromas of subdued, light caramel, oaky vanilla, leather, tropical spice (nutmeg, traces of fennel and anise), pecan, and paraffin.  The initial taste is just slightly sweet on the lips and tip of tongue, while the perfectly weighted, medium-heavy body envelops your senses with one of the most satisfyingly complex rums available today. An absolutely delicious finish spreads like syrup from tip of tongue to throat, delivering a consistent caramel sweetness and vanilla, moderated by dry leather, and it goes on seemingly forever.

Anecdotal Notes
Dave – In April 2010 this half of RnD hosted a rum tasting theme cruise  on S/V Diamant (pictured)  where the sailing guests and crew were treated to over two dozen fine rums ranging from

exotic sippers to edgy mixers to white overproofs, as well as specialty rum cocktails.  After a week of guiding passengers through this subset of the rum world, Barcelo Imperial was hauled up from the depths of the rum locker as the “piece de la resistance.”   Saving the best for last, Barcelo Imperial was served after many other fine rums, many of which were far more expensive and some more than twice as old.  Not surprisingly, the passengers delighted in Barcelo Imperial’s advanced flavors and sophisticated complexity, truly thankful to have arrived at the end of their rum journey with such a noble spirit.

Taster’s Opinion
I became a devout fan of the distillery’s products during a visit to the Dominican Republic in early 2008.  In the DR, Barcelo rums were a daily staple, found at many beach bars and tasty restaurants all over the Samana peninsula.  [See reviews here and here. 

Knowing Barcelo to deliver some of the most deliciously complex and well balanced rums on the market, I was anxious to try their latest 10 year old version of Imperial.  After sipping critically, I am now fully satisfied that the distillery has preserved their magic touch. In my opinion, Barcelo Imperial is one of the most well balanced, superbly complex sipping rums available. It’s one of the best bargains in the rum universe. Bottle # 1651847 did not disappoint.

Today’s Barcelo Imperial delivers essentially the same wonderful complexity, only softer and more delicately presented than the previous version, which is visually differentiated from the current version by its subtitle Premium Blend and round bottle.  Overall, I find this latest blend to be just a bit less sweet, and the aromas less forward and fully developed than the discontinued version. 

Barcelo Imperial has always been collectible for its complex aromas and sophisticated flavors. The upgraded 10 year old Imperial blend – slightly higher in alcohol – with its attractive slab-sided flask-like bottle, the rum strikes an easily recognized pose among your collection too.

Roger – A complex delight for the senses!  Ron Barceló Imperial slowly reveals it’s aromas over a period of time so sit back and casually discover them. A smooth entry and nice medium body and long finish reward you sip after sip. I thoroughly enjoyed an hour discovering the hidden secretes of this fine Dominican rum. It’s widely available and priced very reasonably for its quality!

Most recently reviewed by: Dave and Roger in June, 2010 in RnD’s South and North Tasting Rooms, USA.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):
Dave - 9 Flasks; Roger - 9 Flasks

*750ml unless otherwise stated.