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

The color of Barceló Imperial Premium Blend 21 alerts you to a deeply aged rum that has taken on the hue of toasted Kentucky bourbon oak barrels.  The nose taunts your tongue over this rum, as the many complex aromas are so harmoniously balanced and well developed that you hesitate to sip, lest you spoil the pleasure of another sniff.  It is that good. Barcelo 21 year old possesses a sweet characteristic that is once and the same incredible but not overwhelming, with an herbal woody complexity.  Flavors of evergreen, caramel, fresh oak and vanilla are apparent.  Less so are hints of blackberry, orange, cardamom, anise and toasty marshmallows. By all means, do plunge in after sufficiently tormenting yourself with sniffing. The initial taste is the ultimate reward, for all the flavors your nose teased you with are evident when sipping. Indulgent tasting reveals greater complexity and additional flavors including mint, cinnamon, and a slight paraffin to accentuate the body. The finish is a medium-long and delicately caramel sweet. That these flavors are all balanced and recognizable from sniff to finish are testament to the Master Blender’s talent.

Anecdotal Notes
Created to commemorate the annivresary of Barcelo’s 21st harvest , this exceptional Premium Blend version is both expensive and even more difficult to find.  Barcelo Imperial 21 is all the more collectible and enjoyable once you enjoy it. A visit to the Dominican Republic will reward you with random fortune, as Barcelo 21 can be found in a bars; some will be upscale, but some will be rum shacks on the beach.  Keep looking.  More often, the bottle with its 21 standing out boldly on the label, will be empty, but proudly displayed behind the bar on its top shelf.

Taster’s Opinion
Dave - For my visit to the DR in Spring 2008, I knew locating a bottle of Barcelo Imperial 21 would require searching, bartering, and parting with lots of hard earned money.  But of all the treks I’ve made to score exotic rum, I am happiest with this found treasure, bottle # 35650. Barcelo Imperial 21 stands in great company amongst the most flavorful and noble rums in the world.   Supremely aromatic, flavorful, complex and smooth, Barcelo 21 is one of the finest rums in production today, period.  On any scale; be it complexity, smoothness, flavor, and color; in my honest opinion, it equals the best.  I only wish I had more.

Most recently reviewed by: Dave in February, 2009 at RnD's south tasting rooms, USA.

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