Ron Esclavo XO Cask: new version vs. old version

I have the old Esclavo XO, but not the cask strength. In case of Kirk&Sweeney the blends got worse. Oliver&Oliver want more sells and not the better quality. I think this is the same with Esclavo. The new Mount Gay XO is better. Because of the cognac finish and the older age it's less spicy and more balanced. Old Solera Dictadors are better in my opinion, the new aged Dictadors are not that creamy. But the flavors are still good. I think it depends on the strategy, a company can increase the quality but the price will also rise. If the price is the same after the refresh I would not expect an improvement.

I take the excellent quality of the most Oliver y Oliver products as a gift to mankind. Of course i have purchased few bottles of the old Esclavo XO Cask :). You will never see me complain about premium prices for rum here or elsewhere. In my opinion most premium rums are still way to cheap (e.g 40€ for Millonario 15Y!!?). In Peru the people call it "rum for the millionaires". Im far away from beeing a millionaire. Im just lucky enough to live in a country with a strong currency and high purchasing power. I of course expect the prices to rise or somewhat lower quality for future editions of my favorite rums. It would only be fair towards the producing countries.