Brugal Rum Uncorks $3,000 Bottling

(Photos: Brugal Rum)

On Wednesday, historic Dominican rum distiller Brugal unveiled what it claims is its most premium expression to date — Andrés Brugal Edition 02. The spirit has been limited to a total of just 416 bottles globally, each boasting a suggested retail price of $3,000.

The opulent rum begins with a selection of four American oak ex-bourbon casks, each purportedly chosen for unique characteristics including woody warmth, vibrant citrus and delicate spice. Though Brugal hasn’t disclosed how much time the spirit was matured in each cask, we do know the end result is bottled at 41.5% ABV. The brand says to expect aromas of fresh vanilla pods, toasted pecans and coconut that segue into flavors of baking spice, toffee, caramelized banana and brown sugar.

As usual, production was headed up with fifth-generation maestra ronera Jassil Villanueva Quintana. Apart from being the direct descendant of founder Andrés Brugal Montaner, Quintana is the youngest Master of Rum in the industry and the first woman to hold the position at Brugal.

“This series is a tribute to my family’s legacy and the remarkable journey that brought our rum to the world,” Quintana said in a news release. “Andrés Brugal Edition 02 reflects the unwavering craftsmanship and creativity that have propelled us forward, from the sunlit shores of Puerto Plata to global recognition.”

The previous release in the series, Edition 01, was designed as a tribute to the brand’s eponymous founder. This time around, Brugal has expanded its scope to commemorate internationalization — specifically, the role the U.S. played in popularizing rum throughout the 20th century. The brand cites a handwritten note of praise penned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934, one that reportedly turned brands like Brugal into a household name in the decades after.

As such, the brand’s latest rum comes packaged inside an unfolding box designed in the likeness of a travel suitcase. Each case is adorned with a red coin and a map of America, while the rum itself is housed inside a hand-blown crystal decanter.

If you’d like to check out the release for yourself, find more information at the Brugal Rum website.

Andrés Brugal Edition 02 Tasting Notes, Per the Brand

• Color: Radiant golden amber
• Nose: Rich notes of brown sugar harmonize with fresh vanilla pods, toasted pecans, and hints of orange blossom and creamy coconut. Subtle accents of cinnamon, citrus, and tropical fruits gracefully complement the gentle undertones of aged wood.
• Taste: A woody richness intertwines with the indulgence of creamy vanilla fudge. Notes of black tea provide a refreshing contrast, while fresh green apple adds a vibrant twist. Baking spices, toffee, caramelized banana, and the sweetness of brown sugar come together to create a symphony of flavors that unfold with each sip.
• Finish: The journey culminates with a lingering essence of wood and spice, delivering a beautifully dry finish enhanced by velvety, creamy vanilla notes