Guyana (Enmore) 28 yo (1990/2019), The Duchess – Single Cask (Versailles Wooden Potstill), 54.9%

Introduction

The Guyana (Enmore) 28-year-old rum represents a remarkable piece of Caribbean distilling heritage, meticulously selected by The Duchess for its exceptional quality and historical significance. Distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2019, this single cask expression captures the essence of traditional Guyanese rum production.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Locally sourced molasses from Guyana’s rich sugar cane plantations, reflecting the distinctive terroir of the Demerara region.
• Distillation process: Distilled using the historic Versailles Wooden Potstill, a legendary piece of equipment dating back to the 18th century that imparts distinctive oils and esters to the spirit.
• Maturation: Aged for a full 28 years in the tropical climate of Guyana before being transported to Europe for bottling, allowing for significant interaction with the wood and accelerated maturation due to the hot, humid conditions.
• Special techniques: Single cask bottling without chill filtration or color adjustment to preserve the rum’s authentic character and full flavor profile.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich tropical fruits with prominent notes of ripe banana and mango, complemented by dark molasses, leather, polished oak, and subtle spices including cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Palate: Full-bodied and complex with layers of caramelized brown sugar, tropical fruits, toasted oak, dark chocolate, and coffee. The wooden pot still character shines through with distinctive funky notes and savory elements.
• Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with lingering notes of dried fruits, tobacco, leather, dark spices, and oak tannins that gradually fade, leaving a pleasant dryness.

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Slightly below room temperature, around 18-20°C (64-68°F).
• Glass recommendation: A tulip-shaped nosing glass or Glencairn to concentrate the complex aromas.
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its full complexity. A few drops of water may be added to open up additional aromatics.
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content, coffee-based desserts, or aged cheeses that can stand up to the rum’s intensity.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 54.9% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70cl/700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Guyana, Demerara region
• Certifications/Awards: Selected by The Duchess, renowned independent bottler specializing in premium single cask spirits

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Enmore 28-year-old rum represents an increasingly rare opportunity to experience authentic Guyanese rum distilled in the traditional manner using historic equipment.

With production from the Versailles Wooden Potstill becoming increasingly limited and many casks from this era already depleted, this 1990 vintage stands as a diminishing resource for rum enthusiasts.

The Duchess has established itself as an authority in selecting only the finest single casks, ensuring this bottling meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Rums from Enmore Distillery, especially those produced on the Versailles still, are consistently sought after by serious collectors and enthusiasts worldwide for their distinctive character.

Dedicated rum aficionados commit to seeking out these historic bottlings, recognizing their importance in preserving the legacy of traditional Caribbean distillation techniques.

The Duchess bottlings have garnered praise from spirit judges and rum critics alike for their uncompromising approach to quality and authenticity.

From Guyana’s Historic Distilleries to You

By selecting this exceptional single cask, The Duchess has made accessible a piece of rum history that would otherwise remain locked in the warehouses of Guyana.

The warm, rich character of this rum reflects the hospitable spirit of Guyana and the passionate craftspeople who have maintained these traditional distillation methods for generations.

In enjoying this rum, you join a community of discerning enthusiasts who appreciate and help preserve the heritage of historic rum production for future generations.