Ron Barceló Imperial Onyx Aged Rum: The Essence of Dark Refinement, Filtered Through Stone
Unveil the profound depth and mystique of Ron Barceló Imperial Onyx Aged Rum, a truly distinct and super-premium expression from the renowned Dominican Republic distillery. This exceptional dark rum is a rich blend of Ron Barceló's finest reserves, aged for up to a decade in heavily charred American oak bourbon barrels, achieving a remarkable intensity rarely found. Its defining characteristic is a unique filtration process through authentic onyx stones, which imparts an unparalleled smoothness and a subtle, dark elegance. Crafted from the fermented juice of estate-grown sugarcane (not molasses), Imperial Onyx is a testament to natural purity, intense flavor, and Ron Barceló's commitment to quality and carbon neutrality.
Key Characteristics:
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Onyx Stone Filtration: Uniquely filtered through genuine onyx stones, lending a mystical quality and contributing to its exceptional smoothness.
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Aged in Heavily Charred Barrels: Matured for up to 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels with a high degree of char, enhancing its rich, toasted notes.
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Estate-Grown Sugarcane Juice Base: Distilled from the fermented juice of fresh, estate-grown sugarcane, ensuring a cleaner, purer base spirit.
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Dark & Robust Profile: Presents an amber mahogany color with a robust, structured body and profound character.
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Carbon Neutral Certified: Shares Ron Barceló's pioneering status as the first rum in the world to be certified CO²-neutral.
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Super-Premium Sipper: Designed for neat enjoyment or over a single ice cube, allowing its intricate layers to shine.
Tasting Notes:
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Nose: Rich toasted aromas mingle with subtle hints of cherry, robust coffee, and dried fruits. Deep notes of vanilla and toasted wood are also present, creating a complex and inviting bouquet.
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Palate: Intense and full-bodied, the palate delivers powerful sensations of dark wood, vanilla, and toasted nuts. Flavors of dark chocolate, sweet caramel, and a delicate fruitiness (often suggesting dried figs or plums) unfold gracefully, balanced by a subtle warmth. The influence of the heavy char is evident, offering a pleasing roasted quality.
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Finish: Long, persistent, and satisfying, leaving lingering impressions of roasted coffee, cocoa, and sweet tobacco, with a final elegant note of oak and dried fruit.
Awards & Recognition:
- Double Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021
- Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018
- Bronze Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Design Competition 2021
- Highly rated by spirits critics for its unique character and depth.
Overall Impression:
Ron Barceló Imperial Onyx Aged Rum is a magnificent expression that stands as a true marvel in the aged rum category. Its innovative onyx filtration, combined with extended maturation in heavily charred barrels and the inherent purity of its sugarcane juice base, creates a spirit of unprecedented intensity and refined complexity. With its impressive array of international awards, Imperial Onyx is not just a rum; it's an experience of dark elegance and mystique. It's a must-have for connoisseurs and those seeking a truly distinctive, super-premium rum for sipping and savoring.