Dictador Icon Reserve 20 Year Colombian Rum: A Timeless Elixir from Cartagena
Journey into the heart of Colombia with Dictador Icon Reserve 20 Year Rum, an extraordinary and meticulously aged spirit that embodies centuries of tradition and innovation. Crafted in the warm, fertile lands of Cartagena, this iconic rum is a testament to Dictador's unwavering commitment to excellence, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that is both complex and incredibly smooth.
Dictador's unique approach begins with the raw material: instead of traditional molasses, their rums are made from the fermentation of virgin sugarcane honey – a sweet, rich syrup obtained by pressing fresh sugarcane juice. This distinct base contributes significantly to the rum's unique aromatic profile. The distillation process is equally unique, combining both a copper alembic pot still (for heavier, more aromatic spirits) and a continuous steel column still (for lighter, more refined spirits), allowing Dictador to achieve a medium-bodied rum with exceptional aromatic complexity.
The "20 Year" on the label refers to a minimum average age, as Dictador employs a Solera aging system. This traditional method involves a cascading series of American oak barrels, where younger rums are progressively blended with older rums. While the exact age of every drop in the bottle isn't 20 years, the rum has undergone extensive maturation within this system, with some components reaching this impressive age. This prolonged contact with wood imparts deep flavors, a rich color, and incredible smoothness. Dictador rums are also notable for being additive-free, meaning no sugar or coloring is added post-distillation, allowing the natural character of the aged spirit to shine. It is bottled at 40% ABV (80 Proof).
Key Characteristics:
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Solera Aged 20 Years: Matured using a dynamic Solera system, blending rums with an average age of 20 years in American oak barrels, often with a finish in ex-Port or ex-Sherry casks.
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Virgin Sugarcane Honey Base: Crafted from concentrated sugarcane juice, contributing a unique flavor profile distinct from molasses rums.
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Hybrid Distillation: Uses both copper alembic pot stills and continuous steel column stills for complexity and balance.
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Colombian Origin: Produced by Dictador Distillery in Cartagena, Colombia.
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Additive-Free: No added sugar or coloring, showcasing natural aging.
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Balanced Proof (40% ABV / 80 Proof): Perfect for sipping neat or in sophisticated cocktails.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Intense, luminous dark amber to mahogany.
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Nose: Rich and inviting, with dominant notes of roasted coffee, rich vanilla, and warm molasses. Underlying aromas of dark chocolate, dried fruit (raisins, prunes), sweet toffee, and toasted oak emerge, often with a hint of spice or a subtle smokiness.
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Palate: Luxuriously smooth and velvety, coating the palate with a complex array of flavors. Sweet caramel, cocoa, and creamy vanilla mingle with notes of dark honey, roasted nuts, and dried fruit. A subtle woody character adds depth, with a touch of baking spices.
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Finish: Persistent and velvety, long and elegant, leaving a warm, inviting sensation with lingering notes of coffee, dark chocolate, and a pleasant oak influence.
Awards & Recognition:
Dictador Icon Reserve 20 Year Colombian Rum has received significant international acclaim:
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Gold Medal at the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival (2010).
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Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) (2012).
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Double Gold Medal at the WSWA (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America) Competition (2012).
- Consistently receives high scores and positive reviews from spirits critics and competitions worldwide for its complexity, balance, and distinctive profile.
Overall Impression:
Dictador Icon Reserve 20 Year Colombian Rum is a truly exceptional aged rum, offering a captivating journey for the senses. Its unique production methods, prolonged Solera aging, and additive-free nature result in a spirit of profound depth, remarkable smoothness, and rich flavor. Ideal for sipping neat to savor its intricate layers, on the rocks, or as the star in a truly premium cocktail, Dictador 20 Year is more than just a rum – it's an experience, a testament to Colombian craftsmanship and a proud representation of its name.
