Certainly! Here’s a more in-depth product description and detailed tasting notes for Denizen Merchant's Reserve 8-Year-Old Rum:
Denizen Merchant’s Reserve 8-Year-Old Rum
Denizen Merchant’s Reserve is a small-batch blend of aged Caribbean rums, expertly crafted to capture the essence of classic rum styles. This expression is a combination of Jamaican pot still rums and rare Rhum Grande Arôme from Martinique, a high-ester, intensely flavorful style of rum. The blend is designed to mimic the legendary rums used in the original Trader Vic’s 1944 Mai Tai recipe, making it a go-to choice for tiki enthusiasts and classic cocktail lovers.
The rums used in this blend are aged for up to 8 years in ex-bourbon barrels, which impart layers of depth, richness, and complexity. The final product delivers a robust yet balanced profile, making it an excellent choice for both sipping neat and mixing in high-end cocktails.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance:
- A deep golden amber with warm honeyed hues, indicative of its extended aging in oak barrels.
- Viscous, with slow, thick legs that cling to the glass, suggesting a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel.
Aroma:
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Tropical fruit explosion – ripe banana, grilled pineapple, and overripe mango lead the nose.
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Estery funk from the Jamaican pot still rum, offering hints of fermented fruit, brown sugar, and a touch of funkiness reminiscent of Jamaican rums like Hampden or Worthy Park.
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Caramelized sugar and vanilla from the ex-bourbon barrel aging, with a touch of toasted coconut.
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Earthy and grassy notes from the Martinique Rhum Grande Arôme, giving it a slightly agricole-like backbone.
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Warm baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove) linger in the background.
Palate:
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Full-bodied and layered, with a burst of dark caramel, molasses, and dried tropical fruits (figs and dates).
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Oak influence is prominent, giving structure with notes of toasted wood, vanilla, and charred sugar.
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Hints of dark chocolate and espresso, adding richness to the mid-palate.
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Balanced esters and funk, providing a slight savory, briny quality, which contrasts beautifully with the sweeter elements.
- A subtle smokiness and black pepper spice emerge towards the finish, likely from the barrel aging.
Finish:
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Long and evolving, with lingering notes of toffee, baking spice, and dark cocoa.
- The fruity esters fade into a slightly dry, oaky finish, leaving hints of tropical fruit and earthy spice.
- A gentle warming sensation lingers, making it an ideal sipping rum for those who appreciate depth and complexity.
Best Enjoyed:
Denizen Merchant’s Reserve is crafted to be versatile – excellent for both sipping neat and mixing in cocktails.
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Neat or on the rocks – To fully appreciate its complexity and depth.
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Classic Tiki Cocktails – Designed with the 1944 Mai Tai in mind, where it delivers the authentic rum profile Trader Vic intended.
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Rum Old Fashioned – Its rich, caramelized character and spice notes make it a fantastic base for a refined Old Fashioned.
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Jungle Bird or Navy Grog – Works beautifully in bold, citrus-forward cocktails.
Denizen Merchant’s Reserve 8-Year-Old Rum is a must-have for serious rum enthusiasts, cocktail aficionados, and anyone looking for a high-quality, well-aged blend with a nod to classic rum history.
