El Dorado 12-Year

The El Dorado is a great way to get into drinking rum. Sweet enough not to harm anyone yet good enough to sip on its own. And it won't drain you're bank account. Just don't expect anything spectacular.

One of the best sipping rums available. It's my second favorite, and one that I alway buy on trips to the store, no matter how much that I already have. Complex and rich flavors, a truly superior rum.

This delicious rum from El Dorado was one of the rums that started my jurney in the rum world. It was delicious back then, and it still is now, and for only a small amount of money.

Nose : I find oak, honey and small hints of vanilla and brown sugar.

Taste : I find oak, molasse, a little vanilla and power. The aftertaste is medium long with taste of molasse.

It's a soft sweet ride. Holds on the palate and the sugercane loviness lingers

My other go to aged rum. Just a bit more expensive than the 8, so I drink the 8 just a little more often. Again, I like this one very much. I have tried nearly every El Dorado rum that I have had the opportunity to purchase. I don't think you can go wrong with any, but I like these in the mid-range better than the high-end 15, 21 and single barrels.

Bought this on recommendation but was disappointed at first with the high level of sweetness and after-taste of sauna. After a few the taste grows on you. The dark bottle gives the impression of a darker rum than it is.

One week later I have changed my rating from 7 to 8. Really does grow on you

Unboxing reveals a rich Amber bottle with what is meant to be a wax 12 YO stamp on front. Slightly gimmicky, but the contents is what is important.
Pouring discovers that colour is darker to the bottle, a seamless transition of the visionary senses presenting a brown sherry almost treacle hue. Body is rich and full. This sexy brown beauty dances in the glass.
Aromas on the front are almost sharp, get through that initial stage and you are rewarded with sweetness, vanilla and a sultry smokiness, oak always present. Note: just let her sit there for a while...let her fully develop. This is one worth waiting for.
Caramel, brown sugar, sweetness breakthrough urging you to hold in the mouth, very full and rounds out smoothly.
Like sticky sugar, clings to every available surface in the mouth before gently easing of the palate.
Overall impression: well worth the $75NZD price tag. A scrumptious 12YO, holding its own to the very end. You won't be disappointed. Highly recommended.

Just got a bottle in the grand caymans while on vacation. This now replaces cruzan single barrel as my favorite rum. Super smooth.

alcohol burst first, then sweet smooth ending, tasty one.

Smooth, hints of toffee and vanilla. Over ice there is no burn or sharpness. I think it would be a waste to mix it!