Chairman's 2011 Reserve Master's Selection for Gall & Gall 8-Year

I am not that much a fan of temporary releases simply because they are just available for a short period of time and I do prefer my rums, at least the ones I love, ready at hand all the time. Still I couldn't resist this bottle from one of my favourite distillers on the planet. Distilled in 2011, bottled at an ABV of 46% in 2019 (see pictures), blended by Cyril Mangal from 50% pot still (John Dore 1) and 50% column still rums and aged in ex-bourbon casks. In the Netherlands distributed by Gall & Gall (a large chain selling mostly wines and whisk(e)y's) but it is the same rum that is sold by 'The Whisky Exchange' and probably by a lot more. My bottle has #142/317 so Gall & Gall bought 317 bottles I guess.

The rum is paler than other Chairman's offerings and has an ABV at the same level as the 1931; 46% which is in my opinion an optimal percentage to get extra flavour in and still keeps a rum very drinkable. The nose is, after the first rush of pot stil esters, friendly and reminds me a bit of Element 8's Vendôme (also St. Lucia Distillers) with vanilla, pineapple, banana and herbal/mineral notes. And of course a bit of St. Lucia funk.....

On the palate the bourbon casks hit you right away with oaky and whisky notes (but not so much that it is not a rum anymore) and when they cool down I get some creamy coffee-fudge followed again by mostly orange peel, pepper and oaky tannines. Throughout the entire rum there is also an underlayer of burnt rubber (in a good way); if you do not like pot stil aroma's this rum is not for you!

On the whole this is different from the other Chairman's offerings yet easily recognisable as one of their rums. I think that people that like the 'Original' but not so much 'The Forgotten Casks' will be very pleased with this one. Pretty complex and balanced, easy to drink but it will demand your attention because it has a character of its own. Close to a nine but I do not want to go there for this rum at this pricepoint (€45) so I give an 8. Worth the money though, and your time!

Bottle 011/317
In the beginning thebrum is a bit harsh
I even taste some peat
Nice rum not sweet, vanilla cocao and you definitly taste the ex bourbon barrels
For this price 30€ it is a good rum for sipping

taste - 8/10
smell - 8/10
sweetness - 7/10
price/value rating - 7/10

Nice smell caramel ,soft in the beginning
Nice aftertaste.
Bottle 17 of 309.

Nice rum from saint Lucia distillers.. nice taste. Bourbon is still in it.......very nice