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

This deep mahogany colored rum presents a sweet aroma balanced heavily toward cane honey, with earthy sugar cane undertones, just a hint of vanilla, and exhibiting mild warmth. Initial tasting reveals a nectar-sweet quality with added complexity of anise, cinnamon, and hints of clove, leading to a weightier body that indicates a substantially aged rum, serious but not overbearing.  A sweet finish lingers for awhile, slowly fading to medium dry.

Anecdotal Notes
On a lark, I visited the Dominican Republic’s Samana Peninsula in the spring of 2008 to enjoy the sun, surf, and culture. The vacation also yielded magnificent treasures of rum.  Fine aged rums found only in the D.R. were available at each little grass shack beach bar, and they were cheap!  I bought every exotic rum I could carry home.  One of my most fortunate discoveries was Bermudez’ 1852 144 Anniversario rum, bottled to commemorate Don Erasmo Bermudez’ creation in that year of the “Amargo panacea.” 

Curiously, the label on the bottle I brought home exhibits the words: “144 Anniversario,” in dignified text, yet the box claims “145 Anniversario” just as proudly.  I suspect Bermudez produces such a rum each year, and my bottle got packed into the next year’s box.  In any case, the rum represents the top of the line of from Bermudez, is nearly impossible to find in the USA, and is a bargain in the D.R.

Taster’s Opinion
Dave - Bermudez 1852 Anniversario is entirely pleasant for sipping either as an appetizer or aperitif.  The satisfyingly genuine cane flavor is not overly complex, but is thoroughly enjoyable and approachable, rewarding for sophisticated palates as well as those looking to expand their rum horizons.

Taster's Rating (10 is best): Dave - 8.5 flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Dave in July, 2008 at RnD’ south tasting room, USA.