Paranubes Añejo 18-Months

This is a pure sugar cane juice (as opposed to molasses or cane syrup) based rum fermented and distilled on a pot still in Oaxaca, Mexico. Is was then tropically aged on site in Oaxaca for 18 months in ex-bourbon barrels. In a way it is similar to a mix of Rhum Agricole and Clairin and then tropically aged for 18 months.

On the nose I get strong Apple Cider Vinegar, then Buttered Popcorn, Kalmata Olive Juice, Caramel Popcorn and Bourbon. As you will soon learn Buttered and Caramel Popcorn are central themes to this rum.

On the palate I immediately get washed away by the duality of Buttered Popcorn and Caramel Popcorn. Far in the distance I pick up oak, and a metallic minerality. The buttered and caramel popcorn notes remain dominant.

The finish is quite interesting. As the rum leaves the mouth I get Bourbon and then a flash of Kombucha descending into a faint Menthol. After setting the glass down a while a slight Plug Tobacco emerges before getting splashed by a Mud Puddle. It’s strange but Mud Puddle note is not negative or “bad”; on the contrary it’s quite interesting. I have never experienced anything like that on the rum before. It’s novel.

While the rum doesn’t immediately want to make me rush out to buy a backup, it is unique and quite fascinating. Mainly its a nice funny mixed bag of buttered popcorn and caramel popcorn, but it also has some very interesting mineral notes to it that are rather unexpected like Kombucha and Mud, the latter in a strangely pleasant way. Cane juice rum buffs would probably enjoy this even more than I do, but if I saw this on a menu I would certainly order it.

Short Description: A mixed bag of Caramel and Buttered Popcorn washed down with a glass of bourbon on the rocks

ABV: 53.8%

Country of Origin: Mexico

Province: Oaxaca

Nose: Apple Cider Vinegar, Buttered Popcorn, Kalmata Olive Juice, Caramel Popcorn, Bourbon

Palate: Buttered Popcorn, Caramel Popcorn, Oak, Minerality

Finish: Bourbon, Kombucha, faint Menthol, plug Tobacco, Mud puddle

Final Thoughts: This is one of the most interesting and different rums I have had. The Caramel and Buttered Popcorn notes are very strong. While it’s not a rum that necessarily compels me to go out and buy a back up bottle, I imagine I will enjoy this one occasionally until I finish this bottle.

Flower, riped fruit a touch of spices in aroma; sweet molases start, citrus body, dry bitter burning finish; technical minty tail.

Tasted 2/20/23 at Hugman's Oasis 🌴 on San Antonio's Riverwalk.
Aroma of a fine baked custard.
Taste of a coastal forest of weathered moss-filled trees.
End notes remind me of sour dough bread
This is a unique sipping experience, and one I support.
I do think it would also be nice in tiki drinks, especially complex ones.

Bílé rumy od paranubes miluju, ale tohle mi úplně nesedlo. Mladý agricole s silně bylinno - kořenitým nádechem.