El Dorado 12-Year

I'm not gonna say this one is bad, but I had it las weekend and wasn't impressed. I'm not sure what I expected, but to me it didn't hit any of the right notes for me. It felt a bit rubbery, which may be what youre looking for at times, but coupled with a taste I may only describe as "fake", this didn't really grab me.

It might be your thing, and it won't ruin your day, but I'm not gonna buy a bottle of this, ever.

Might bump it to 5,5.

This is sweet smoky deliciousness at a bargain price! (less than $30 locally)if I add a little El Dorado EHP Single Barrel, it gets even better!

EDIT- this went from being a fav to, damn this is undrinkably sweet in about 18 months.
edited to add sugar test results- 35-39g
A few years later, this is still undrinkably sweet.

*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

I felt burning sensation and did not enjoy this bottle. Good mixer though.

I find that the 12 year, hasn't smoothed out enough. It still has that rubbing alcohol bit to it. Now the 15 year old is a different story, much nicer.

Tried as a sipping rum, found it bitter and harsh. Had to mix.

Not my favourite it has a taste that doesn’t agree with me. It seams bitter and has more of an alcohol bite than similar rums.

El Dorado 12-Year Rum er en rigtig god rom, ikke særlig kompleks og pengene værd.

It’s a decent rum but at the price point it’s a bit more than I could justify. If it were ten dollars less I’d say it’d be good but i don’t understand the hype on this one. It’s a bit sweet followed by a harsh alcohol burn, not terrible but for a more premium rum I expected more. However with that said I like my rum sweet, so if you like less sweet and bitier rum this is for you, but if you want a sweet rum that is smoother go get Diplomático.

Minusom rumu je nie az tak prijemna aroma. Rovnako v chuti citit trpkost, zrejme po burbone.