Cruzan Island Reserve Extra Aged 13 Year Rum: A Legacy of Time, Patience, and St. Croix Mastery
Discover the true depth and refined elegance of the Caribbean with Cruzan Island Reserve Extra Aged 13 Year Rum. This rare and highly sought-after expression from the historic Cruzan Distillery on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, is a profound testament to over 250 years of rum-making tradition. Created by Master Distiller Gary Nelthropp, Cruzan Island Reserve is not merely a rum; it's a celebration of the unique bonds and enduring spirit of St. Croix.
This luxurious blend showcases a meticulous selection of rums, with the inaugural batch featuring a harmonious marriage of rare 13-, 16-, and 20-year-old rums. These exceptional distillates are aged slowly in American oak barrels under the intense tropical conditions of St. Croix. This extended maturation imparts an incredible richness, complexity, and harmony to the spirit, making it a remarkably rewarding sipping experience. Bottled at 80 Proof (40% ABV), Cruzan Island Reserve offers a deep, inviting warmth and an intricate tapestry of flavors that makes it ideal for collectors, connoisseurs, or anyone looking to elevate their rum journey.
Key Characteristics:
- Extra Aged Blend: A luxurious blend of rums aged for an impressive minimum of 13, and up to 20 years, ensuring extraordinary depth and character.
- Tropical Aging: Matured slowly in American oak barrels under the unique climate of St. Croix, which accelerates aging and intensifies flavor.
- St. Croix Origin: Proudly produced by the historic Cruzan Distillery at Estate Diamond, deeply rooted in the island's rum-making legacy.
- Master Distiller's Selection: Crafted under the discerning eye of Master Distiller Gary Nelthropp, representing the pinnacle of Cruzan's aging expertise.
- Molasses-Based Rum: Crafted from high-quality sugarcane molasses, contributing to its authentic Caribbean base.
- Refined Sipping Rum (80 Proof / 40% ABV): Designed to be savored neat or on the rocks, but also capable of elevating classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Deep, lustrous amber to rich mahogany, reflecting its extensive time in oak.
- Nose: Warm and inviting, opening with prominent notes of aged wood and toasted oak. A wave of honey, rich vanilla, and baking spices like cinnamon follows, along with subtle hints of dark cherry and dried fruit.
- Palate: Smooth and full-bodied, with a luxurious, buttery mouthfeel. Complex wood notes unfold, intertwined with flavors of sweet molasses, caramelized sugar, and vanilla. Deeper notes of baking spices, honeycomb, and a touch of leather or cocoa add profound layers of richness and sophistication.
- Finish: Long, elegant, and rewarding, fading gently with lingering notes of cinnamon spice, sweet vanilla, and a warm, honeyed sweetness.
Awards & Recognition:
Cruzan Island Reserve Extra Aged 13 Year Rum is celebrated as one of Cruzan's most premium offerings and is often recognized for its exceptional quality:
- Highly praised by critics and enthusiasts for its remarkable age statement and sophisticated flavor profile.
- Regarded as a "tribute to time, patience, and Caribbean rum mastery."
- A favorite among those who visit St. Croix and appreciate finely aged rums.
- While specific competition awards for every batch may vary, its inclusion in the "Island Reserve" series signifies its top-tier status within the Cruzan portfolio.
Overall Impression:
Cruzan Island Reserve Extra Aged 13 Year Rum is more than just a spirit; it's a journey through time and a celebration of island resilience. Its extensive tropical aging results in a rum of incredible depth, complexity, and smoothness, offering a sipping experience that is both profound and utterly enjoyable. For the discerning rum connoisseur or anyone seeking a truly exceptional aged spirit from the heart of the Caribbean, Cruzan Island Reserve is a rare and invaluable addition to any collection, promising a taste of St. Croix's finest.
