El Dorado 12 Year Rum

EL DORADO RUM SHOWDOWN El Dorado 12-Year El Dorado 21-Year Continuing to work through spirits in my collection that I’ve yet to review. Almost to the finish line. I’d guess that 95% of my collection is comprised of whisk(e)y. But I love rum: not just for the taste, but for its place in American history. I’ve got my good friend @ataylor156 to thank for getting me into high-end rums several years ago. These two bottles of El Dorado, as well as the El Dorado 15-Year which is long gone, are due to his suggestions. El Dorado 12-Year Color is a clear and dark mahogany Pantone 167. Nose is closer to brown sugar than molasses, with fried plantains, an herbaceous note that manifests as both grassy and pressed sugar cane, cocoa powder, and oaky vanilla. The sweetness continues through a light glycerin mouthfeel, with brief cinnamon spice and simple syrup on the medium length finish. El Dorado 12 can be found for around $35. Would I buy it again? Yes. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. 80 proof. 12-year age statement. El Dorado 21-Year Color is just a little deeper than the 12-year, half a shade darker than Pantone 167. Sweet notes on the nose include dark honey and grape jelly. There’s banana and vanilla. And like the 12-year there is an herbaceous element, more here like celery seed (I’ve noticed this in a couple other spirits; @mikael @Stephanie_Moreno, how about the ability to search for text in reviews?). The palate has a nice viscosity, and the sugars are deeper and richer. The alcohol is lacking. El Dorado 21 is not cheap. It can be found today for around $130 (I found mine cheaper a few years ago). Would I buy it again? Yes, if price weren’t an object. 4.0 on the Distiller scale. 80 proof. 21-year age statement. As I recall, both my friend @ataylor156 and I thought that the El Dorado 15 was the best of these three some time ago; perhaps that’s why my bottle of that is long gone. There’s a vibrancy in the 12 that is lacking in the 21. Both rums are the same 80 proof, but it’s more noticeable on the 12, in a good way. But the 21 has a richness and depth that is not in the 12. That’s likely why I’d thought that the 15-Year was the best of the bunch, striking a balance between the two aspects. These “Showdowns” help me better understand different spirts in my somewhat subjective groupings, and even further, there is a broader context of a current group (or single bottle) against recently-tasted ones which are still fresh in my mind (or nose, or tongue). Lately I’ve been writing a lot of bourbon reviews, especially on various barrel-proof offerings, and these two El Dorado rums at only 80 proof pale in comparison in that regard. I do think both would benefit from a higher proof. As I’ve said many times, I am not a fan of any spirit bottled at the bare minimum ABV (which these are). It reeks of a focus on economics. While economics are part of any business, my tolerance for low-proof spirits is far greater for low-priced offerings aimed at mass-market consumers. These rums do not share that same target: they’re not mixers, but sippers. Even a token increase to 83 proof, as is common with many Scotch whiskies, would at the very least send a signal of a focus on higher quality. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

First time tasting aged rum ever, or as far as I remember. Just wanted to sip something different. Will still try to do my best but enjoyment would be a bigger part of it Nose : Lot of molasses and caramel + strong sweetness.. I have read they put a lot of added sugar in the rum. Unsure if true but that could explain how I feel. I also smell a little bit of oak and some vanilla and maybe some baking spices. Minimal hints of ?citrus-y? smell Mouth : It is a nice thick feeling to it. Are all aged rum are like that ? There are a lot of sweetness in it. I love the strong cacoa, vanilla, prunes/date/raisins. Not feeling the oak at all which is a good change to my bourbon tasting. I also feel a lot of the caramel/toffee feeling. Can still feel quite a lot of the spices too. Nothing really feels overwhelming and everything is distinct. Not overly complex but interesting enough Finish: Dry moderate finish hint of spices/menthol­. Also finding some smoky feeling to it It is certainly enjoyable for the price. I still need to taste it with cola. I think it will probably hold , but not very much. I think I need to explore more aged rums. I heard good word about Plantation, but I think the Diplomatico seems a step I want to go

The nose contains a brilliant amount of vanilla, caramel, molasses, and some spices. The taste translates well from the nose with molasses and vanilla coating the roof of the mouth. There is a small amount of bitterness that offsets the sugary sweetness reminiscent of an herbal tea and a small amount of semi sweet chocolate. Plum, nectarine, and raisin are also present. Complex and very inviting. The finish is of a medium length and creates a want for the next sip. A very nice offering for a very reasonable price. Nose: 4.24/5 Taste: 4.25/5 Overall 4.25/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Friday Night Pour

Body’s got some good legs. Color is deep amber with a nice red hue. Nose is sweet, molasses, burnt sugar and a touch of vanilla. There’s also a hint of dark fruit in there, maybe cherries or plums. Palate is a thick mouth feel that coats the tongue nicely. Starts with a light burn and baking spices, all spice and cinnamon. Then it transitions into oak woodiness. Finishes smooth with burnt sugar and vanilla.

Beautiful rum...with a catch I am more of a Jamaican rum drinker I have found out (so there is a slight bias opinion here), but on a straight up basis honest review; it is actually a very, very good rum. If you like any Demerara region rum, this is heaven. I will only sip this neat, cut or on the rocks. Mixed with cola I feel it gets lost in all the business of flavour & fizz. Same with dry ginger or sprite.

An unobtrusive rum with little really write home about. An ideal option for those looking for a sipping rum whom may not have much of a repertoire behind them. Slightly on the sweeter side makes this more accessible than some of the more “traditional” expressions which can feel too abrupt and overpowering. Would buy again to have “on-hand”. Palate is well rounded and contained in a sweet-edged package.