Demerara Vertical 02-04 (bottled 2016), Samaroli, 45%

Introduction

The Demerara Vertical 02-04 represents Samaroli’s legendary commitment to rum excellence, showcasing three consecutive vintage years (2002-2004) from Guyana’s historic Diamond Distillery in a single, harmonious expression.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Locally sourced Demerara sugar cane from the fertile banks of Guyana’s Demerara River, known for its rich mineral content and distinctive flavor profile.
• Distillation process: Distilled using Diamond Distillery’s unique combination of wooden and traditional column stills, preserving the characteristic heavy, rich Demerara rum profile.
• Maturation: Initially aged in the tropical climate of Guyana before being carefully selected by Samaroli and further matured in Europe, likely in ex-bourbon casks, developing complexity from 2002-2004 before bottling in 2016.
• Special techniques: Samaroli’s signature approach of minimal intervention, natural reduction to 45% ABV, and no chill filtering to preserve the rum’s authentic character and full array of congeners.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Tropical fruit medley with ripe banana and pineapple, complemented by vanilla custard, toasted oak, and subtle notes of molasses and dark chocolate.
• Palate: Rich and complex with layers of caramelized sugar, tropical fruits, and warm baking spices. The characteristic Demerara profile presents with toffee, tobacco, and leather, balanced by a gentle woodiness and hints of orange zest.
• Finish: Long and satisfying with lingering notes of oak spice, dark chocolate, tobacco, and dried tropical fruits, showcasing remarkable balance between sweetness and dryness.

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (18-21°C) to fully appreciate the complex aromatic profile.
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped nosing glass or a Glencairn whisky glass to concentrate the aromas.
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat in small sips to appreciate the evolving complexity, with a few drops of spring water to open up additional aromatic dimensions if desired.
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content, aged cheeses, or rich desserts with caramel notes. Alternatively, pair with a fine cigar for a luxurious tasting experience.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 45% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Guyana, bottled in Italy by Samaroli
• Certifications/Awards: While specific awards for this bottling are not documented, Samaroli selections are consistently rated among the world’s most prestigious spirits by critics and collectors.

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

The Demerara Vertical 02-04 represents a rare opportunity to experience multiple years of Guyana’s finest rum production through the lens of Samaroli’s unparalleled blending artistry.

With extremely limited bottles available worldwide, this 2016 bottling has become increasingly scarce as collectors and connoisseurs secure remaining examples for their collections.

Silvano Samaroli’s reputation as one of the most respected independent bottlers in the spirits world ensures that this rum stands as a benchmark for quality within the category.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Rum experts and collectors worldwide consistently praise Samaroli selections for their exceptional quality, making them among the most sought-after independent bottlings in existence.

Those who have committed to exploring Samaroli’s portfolio invariably recognize these bottlings as transformative experiences that reshape expectations of what rum can achieve.

The vertical selection approach showcased in this bottling is particularly celebrated for allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the nuanced evolution of Demerara rum across multiple years in a single expression.

From Diamond Distillery to You

Samaroli’s philosophy of sharing only their most exceptional cask selections means this bottle represents not just a rum, but the gift of a carefully preserved moment in rum history.

The approachable 45% strength makes this complex rum remarkably enjoyable, reflecting Samaroli’s commitment to creating spirits that bring pleasure rather than merely showcasing intensity.

By enjoying this Demerara Vertical, you join an exclusive community of rum appreciators who understand that the true value of exceptional spirits lies in shared experiences and moments of discovery.