Objective Notes

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

La Mauny 1979 projects a gorgeously deep reddish brown color, effectively the same hue as the fine-grained mahogany presentation case the rum is packaged in.  Colorful on the nose too – it’s highly aromatic, with earthy brown sugar, anise and smoky char characterizing the bouquet, followed by sweet dried tobacco, fresh sweet white corn, raw honey, vanilla and candied mangoes.  1979 is rich in complexity, allowing each of the individual aromatic scents from stages of cane juice, fermented sugars, distillation and wood aging to express themselves without overpowering one another.  Eventually, patience fails, but your initial taste is rewarded with delicate but deliberate flavors fully consistent and harmonious with the perfume aromas, with dried wood adding another layer.  A medium body is apropos, with sufficient strength and structure to deliver the flavors across your palate and taste buds without overfilling your mouth.  The finish starts almost dry with peppery anise, building to a thin caramel sweetness at the end just as the flavors give their farewell.

Anecdotal Notes

Dave – Judging by presentation alone, La Mauny’s 1979 vintage rhum is simply awesome.  From its figured mahogany box (complete with brass hinges and clasp) to its heavy, femininely-figured decanter evidently influenced by Shalimar’s iconic fragrance bottles, La Mauny 1979 is a treat for the eyes.  Yet the rhum is even  more evocative and sensory, fully living up to it’s packaging. 

With the presentation setting a stage-full of expectations, you could own LaMauny 1979 just to impress your friends with the packaging, but then you’d have to share it.  Tempting to look at, beautiful to hold, delicious to sip, LaM Mauny 1979 millésime is a treasure among fine rum.

Taster’s Opinion (Dave)

Expensive?  Check. 

Presentable? Double Check. 

Worth it?  Absolutely.

As you might suspect, I don’t enjoy overpaying for even the best of rums. My overseas travels often enable me to buy at discounted local prices.  While I believe I could purchase La Mauny 1979 on Martinique for a lower price, concern over the amount I paid on nearby Antigua pales in comparison to the quality of this superbly pleasant rhum.  La Mauny 1979 makes only one simple demand:  pry open your wallet a bit further than usual in order to possess the beautiful vintage rhum genie inside her shapely bottle.  No Pandora of regrets in that box, this one’s a keeper.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Dave – All things considered, I’m happy to bestow upon La Mauny 1979 millésime RnD’s highest rating; 10 Flasks.

Most recently tasted by:  Dave, April 2011 at RnD’s South Tasting Room, USA.

*750ml unless otherwise specified.