O Reizinho Distillery distillery

Introduction to O Reizinho Distillery

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

O Reizinho is a Portuguese craft distillery that represents a beautiful fusion of traditional methods and modern innovation in the world of rum production. Located in the heart of Portugal, this micro-distillery has quickly earned respect in the spirits community for its commitment to quality and unique approach to rum making.

The name “O Reizinho” translates to “The Little King” in Portuguese, reflecting the distillery’s ambition to create regal quality spirits while maintaining a humble, artisanal approach.

Why we have a soft spot for O Reizinho Distillery

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate O Reizinho’s dedication to sustainable practices and their innovative approach to rum production. What sets them apart is their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and their experimental aging techniques that incorporate Portuguese wine traditions into rum making.

Their limited production runs ensure exceptional quality control, resulting in expressions that showcase the true potential of Portuguese craft rum on the global stage.

The History behind O Reizinho Distillery

Origin and development

O Reizinho Distillery was established in 2015 by a group of friends with a shared passion for fine spirits and a vision to revitalize Portugal’s historical connection to rum production. While Portugal doesn’t have the same rum heritage as its former colonies, the founders saw an opportunity to create something unique that would honor both Portuguese traditions and international rum standards.

Starting as a small experimental operation, the distillery has gradually expanded while maintaining its artisanal character and unwavering focus on quality over quantity.

The people behind

The distillery is led by master distiller João Mendes, whose background in winemaking brings a unique perspective to rum production. Alongside him works a small team of dedicated craftspeople who share his vision for creating distinctive Portuguese rum.

Each team member contributes to the creation process, from selecting raw materials to bottling, ensuring that every release from O Reizinho represents their collective dedication to excellence.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at O Reizinho begins with carefully selected sugarcane molasses, primarily sourced from sustainable producers in former Portuguese colonies, creating a historical link in each bottle. The fermentation process is particularly notable, as they use a combination of wild yeasts and proprietary cultured strains that contribute to their rum’s distinctive character.

Distillation takes place in small copper pot stills, custom-designed to the distillery’s specifications. This traditional approach allows for greater control over the final product and helps retain the complex flavor compounds that make their rum special.

Maturation and aging

What truly distinguishes O Reizinho is their innovative approach to aging. Their rums mature in a variety of casks, including ex-Port wine barrels and Portuguese oak, which impart unique regional characteristics to the spirit.

The aging warehouses are strategically positioned to take advantage of Portugal’s varied climate, with temperature and humidity fluctuations contributing to accelerated maturation and distinctive flavor development. Many releases are single cask expressions, offering enthusiasts a truly unique tasting experience with each bottle.

Selected Products from O Reizinho Distillery

O Reizinho Branco – An introduction to the house style

This unaged white rum serves as an excellent introduction to the distillery’s approach. Despite being unaged, it offers remarkable complexity with notes of fresh sugarcane, tropical fruits, and subtle herbal undertones. The clean, smooth character makes it perfect both for sipping and as a premium mixer in cocktails.

O Reizinho Reserve – An experience for connoisseurs

Aged for a minimum of 5 years in ex-Port wine casks, this premium expression showcases the full potential of Portuguese rum aging. Expect a rich palate featuring dark chocolate, dried fruits, vanilla, and distinctive vinous notes from the Port casks. The slightly higher ABV of 43% helps carry the complex flavor profile, resulting in a long, satisfying finish with hints of spice and oak.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

O Reizinho Distillery welcomes visitors by appointment, offering intimate tours of their production facilities. The experience includes a comprehensive look at their fermentation, distillation, and aging processes, followed by a guided tasting of their current range.

For serious enthusiasts, the distillery occasionally offers masterclasses that include the opportunity to sample experimental batches and limited editions not available to the general public.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is O Reizinho Distillery?

O Reizinho Distillery is a craft rum producer based in Portugal that combines traditional distillation methods with innovative aging techniques. Their approach focuses on quality, sustainability, and expressing a distinctly Portuguese character in their spirits.

Where is O Reizinho Distillery located?

The distillery is located in central Portugal, a region known for its winemaking tradition. This location provides both the expertise and the resources needed for their unique approach to rum production and aging.

What characterizes O Reizinho Distillery?

O Reizinho is particularly known for their innovative use of Portuguese wine casks for aging, their small-batch production methods, and their commitment to creating rum with a distinctly Portuguese character. Each bottle reflects their dedication to craftsmanship and experimentation.

Where can I buy rum from O Reizinho Distillery?

You can find selected bottles from O Reizinho Distillery at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their offerings, including both their core range and limited single cask releases, ensuring you have access to the finest expressions from this emerging Portuguese craft distillery.