It’s hard to believe, but the original Rumbullion! hasn’t even been with us for 3 years yet.
Initially launched in November 2011, and followed by a punchier Navy-Strength version late in 2012 (you’ll want to click on that one – it’s got explosives in it), it felt like high time we stepped up and produced a super-premium version.
With this in mind, development and sourcing work for this ultra-aged expression began over 2 years ago – it’s taken us this long to find a reliable source of exceptional, superbly-aged Caribbean rum that fits and compliments the flavour-profile of the original offering.
So. Without further ado, may we present Rumbullion! XO 15 Years Old.
I found a huge number of the notes used in the original Rumbullion! (Clove, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Orange) in the 15yo Base rum we used for this expression, so the blend of spices, fruit and vanilla we’ve used is exactly the same composition as for the standard edition, but the intensity (and sweetness for that matter) has been dialled back by almost two thirds to allow the exceptional character of the base rum to shine through. It’s a more grown-up version of the original in more ways than one. Because the botanical blend is completely unaltered though , it’s a safe assumption that if you’re fond of the original Rumbullion!, you’re going to *love* this.
You’ll notice that the ABV has increased as well – up from 42.6%, to a pleasingly-same-digit-using 46.2%.
Some tasting notes you say? Ah yes:
Rumbullion! XO 15 Years Old – 46.2% – £59.95
Nose: A huge hit of creamy, sweet vanilla and juicy, freshly sliced oranges. There is a mulled wine-like delivery of toasted cinnamon and cloves, with a core of well-aged rum. Aromatic notes of dark chocolate, ripe plums and fragrant oak develop in the glass.
Palate: Exceedingly thick, mouth-coating palate-entry offering up crystallised peels, Seville orange marmalade and even a hint of blackberry. Soft chamois leather and cedar wood provide a complex backbone alongside a huge dosing of cinnamon, cloves and liquorice.
Finish: Long, sparkling finish with notes of old-fashioned cola cubes and intense bittersweet orange. A final flutter of toasted oak appears on the tail.
Overall: With all the massive flavour of the original Rumbullion!, this XO edition includes all the rich flavour of the original with an added dimension of depth and complexity.
We’re incredibly proud of this new edition, and sincerely hope that it finds favour with fans of the original.
Ben
