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

Cartavio Solera 1929 shows a fine, dark amber hue, colored from long aging in unique oak casks, many imported from Slovenia, as well as used bourbon and sherry barrels.  On the nose, it is pleasantly sweet, smelling earthy and slightly grassy with caramel (actually more like dulce de leche), and richly oaken in a nice balance.  Those aromas are nurtured by the initial taste, which is only moderately complex. Warm flavors of walnut, pecan, and mild spices are exhibited in the kind of balance that make one appreciate fine rum.  Mild pepper rides atop the medium body, built on a soft caramel foundation.  The finish is short and sweet, but ultimately with enough dryness to entice another sip.

Anecdotal Notes
One of Peru’s few rum producers, Cartavio was established as a sugar processor in the late 19th century, and began rum production in 1929.  Still produced on the original estate, Cartavio’s Solera is a traditional, noble rum.  I discovered it rum in Arequipa, Peru in the spring of 2008 shortly after hiking Macchu Piccu and before embarking on a 3,000 mile journey by motorcycle from Cuzco to Iguassu Falls, Brazil.  In so many ways I was discovering the best of what the colorful, richly historic continent had to offer.   Scant little rum is produced — chicha (beer fermented from a corn and saliva mash) is the preferred local beverage — so I was doubly glad to have found such a high quality rum.  Considering Peru’s low per capita income, it’s no surprise this rum was so affordable.

Packaging is traditional and substantial, as if to humbly rely on the rum’s rich brown color to show its noble attributes.  A label reminiscent of parchment paper parchment graces the standard tall shouldered, clear bottle, which is numbered and topped with a synthetic cork stopper, the packaged in an attractive metal cylinder.

There is some confusion floating around the web regarding Cartavio’s country of origin.  A distributor claims it’s from Aruba, but the rum I purchased and tasted in preparing this review is a product of Peru; distilled, aged, and packaged at Casa Cartavio, and certified by the region’s notary publlc.  Trust me; this is rum from Peru, and it is excellent. I traveled a long distance for it.

Taster’s Opinion
Dave - Cartavio Solera 1929 is a welcome addition to any fine rum collection.  I find rums produced in the Solera method to be smooth, balanced, mild and entirely enjoyable.  Cartavio Solera stands up well to those expectations.  Do not hesitate to add this tasty, rare but inexpensive, noble yet unassuming rum to your collection.

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

Most recently tasted by: Dave, October 2008 in RnD’s South tasting room, USA.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.