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

Cartavio Anniversario shows deep mahogany/amber colors, reddish-brown in the bottle, with a woody tone.  Always-welcome traditional aromas await your nose; on exhibit are an agricultural cane sweetness and molasses earthiness up front, with multiple complex oaks, then lesser notes of dried fruit (golden raisin), hints of light milk chocolate, a thin vanilla and raw tanned leather.  The initial taste is full of beautifully distilled molasses-derived flavors, along with just the right amount of white pepper to add spice to the very subtle walnut and dried fruit flavors, a slight smokiness, and overall more mature than its five years would lead you to expect.  A medium weight body quickly surrenders to a lingering finish with a sweet depth, leathery, and a little warmth.

Anecdotal Notes
Founded in 1929, Cartavio rums are distilled from molasses using a combination of copper pot stills and column distillation equipment. Traditional rum making methods are matched with more modern technology to produce the best of old and new; excellent rums both flavorful and pure.  Aged in oak barrels from American, Spanish and Slovenian sources adds a further distinguishing complexity.

Taster’s Opinion
Dave - Cartavio Anniversario is rich, dark, and beautiful.  Judging by the honest taste, I believe its deep mahogany color is due to years of aging in oak and not from added caramel or molasses.  Easy on the palate as well as the pocketbook, though difficult to find, Anniversario is definitely worth acquiring. The one thing I disagree with Cartavio about is the positioning statement on the Anniversario box exclaiming “Para solo conocedores” (Only for experts).  Anniversario is a very polished rum, moderately complex and inexpensively priced.  In my book that says: “Para todos los que aman el ron” (For all who love rum).

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave - 8 Flasks

Most recently tasted by: Dave, August 2009 in RnD’s South tasting room, USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.