Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve 15 Year is a Haitian rum fermented with a proprietary Haitian yeast and distilled using triple column stills. It is made from fresh sugarcane juice sourced from 3,000 local farmers and aged 15 years in Limousin oak barrels imported from France. Bottled at 43% ABV, the 750 ml expression has a suggested retail price of $69.99.
The palate reveals tannins, toffee, nuts and cinnamon in an oily, smooth mouthfeel that lingers to reveal stewed fruits. The finish is soft, mellow and displays of all of these flavors in a slow fade.
The extra barrel-aging seems to have added layers of sweetness and creaminess, especially on the palate, that make it almost like a traditional Caribbean rum, albeit a little drier. I can see why the Barbancourt family didn’t want to share this one.
