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Guyana | Aged | 40% ABV | Pot and Column Still Distilled
El Dorado 12-Year Rum is composed of a blend of aged rums, all at least 12 years old. The rums are distilled using a combination of stills including coffey stills and a double wooden pot still before being aged in bourbon oak casks.
Demerara Distillers of Guyana produces El Dorado 12-year rum and is the country's last remaining distillery, with origins tracing back to 1670. The name ""El Dorado"" references the legendary city of gold that is said to be in the country's Rupununi region.
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*Update* Since my original review and edit, I have since discovered that this rum contains chemical flavoring additives beyond just sugar. I personally don't mind added sugar by itself, but I draw the line at any non-natural flavor additive in rum beyond sugar. The ALKO notes via therumproject list this as containing additives beyond sugar. I deduct 2 points off of my original scores for rums that I discover containing flavor additives beyond sugar that do not disclose them. In light of those findings I deduct 2 points from my original score. According to ALKO, El Dorado's 15 Year contains no additives beyond sugar so its rating remains unaffected (and I highly recommend that rum).
This rum has a wonderfully complex nose of oranges, molasses, apple, and vanilla. These aromas hit you immediately. Upon first impression on the palate all of the above flavors are present and it is delightful. Unfortunately, if you drink it neat the mid-palate has a modelers glue taste which I dislike, which could be explained by the amount of added sugar. However, if enjoyed on the rocks that dissipates. The aftertaste is absolutely lovely comprising of Apple, figs, and caramel that lingers quite a while. Given this experience, I think this rum is best enjoyed on the rocks and allowed to sit a moment. This allows the delightful aromas and wonderful aftertaste to remain while eliminating the more chemical mid-tongue experience. Neat this rum is a 6; on the rocks and allowed to breathe this rum is easily an 8.
**Additional Note** I have found this rum to be the PERFECT baking rum. It’s sweetness and orange notes add amazing character to Rum cake and Crema de Mascarpone recipes
Post edit: Having tried the 15 Year, the 15 year is far superior as a sipping rum, though the 12 year is better as a cocktail rum
Nose: 8
Palate: 5
Aftertaste: 8
Smoothness: 6
Versatility: 9
Price: 7
Total: 7.1