El Dorado is a celebrated rum brand from Guyana in South America. It's made by Demerara Distillers Limited and carries a long tradition of sugar cane growing and rum-making, dating back to the 17th century. The name El Dorado refers to the mythical city of gold, symbolising the brand's pursuit of top quality and its rums' rich, golden colour. The brand honours tradition, using some of the last wooden stills in the world for spirit production. Among these is a unique wooden Coffey still.
Their top-selling rums (like the 12, 15, and 21-Year-Old) are well-known and have won many international awards. These rums are unique blends aged in oak barrels. Guyana's warm climate speeds up the ageing, making the rums rich, smooth, and full of flavour. The Master Blender expertly mixes rums from various barrels to create distinct tastes.
The 12-Year-Old rum has a balanced palate with hints of tropical fruit, spice, and toffee, influenced by its ageing in ex-bourbon barrels. The 15-Year-Old rum is richer, with notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and dried fruit. The 21-Year-Old is a premium rum with deep layers of oak, leather, and tobacco flavours, showing the skill and time invested in its making.
A key factor in the rum's unique flavour is the rich Demerara sugar molasses used as its base. The quality of the sugar cane from the Demerara River's fertile soils contributes significantly to the rum's deep flavour.
El Dorado rums are more than just aged spirits; they reflect the local environment. The brand oversees every stage of production, from growing the sugar cane to distilling and ageing the rum. This ensures consistent quality and sustainability. They've also expanded their range to include spiced rums and experimental cask finishes.
El Dorado rums are versatile. The younger rums mix well in cocktails like the Daiquiri or Mai Tai. The older spirits are often best enjoyed neat or with a little water to enhance their complex aromas.