Joe Riley Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 The fertile banks of the Demerara River were cultivated by indigenous inhabitants long before European planters arrived in the 16th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, more than 200 plantations produced sugar and rum in Demerara county. Demerara sugar was much sought after while the rum became one of the key ingredients in the Royal Navy Rum which came to be known as Pusser's Rum. In the last century, the remaining Guyanese distilleries were consolidated by Demerara Distillers Limited on the site of the Diamond Plantation, and today operates as the sole rum producer in Guyana. With a production capacity of more than 26M liters of pure alcohol annually, DDL sell bulk rum to a number of international blenders and bottlers and bottles rum under their own El Dorado and other labels. Today, DDL operates a number of stills used to make a light and heavy type rums. DDL also operates the last remaining wooden still in the Caribbean. Demerara Distillers Ltd., Guyana has been making rum for more than 300 years and was one of the first purveyors of rum to the Royal Navy which was served to sailors on board His Majesty’s Ships until July 31, 1970 when the tot was abandoned. All of the sugar cane molasses comes from the Guyana Sugar Mill makers of the only true Demerara Sugar in the world. All of these rums are distilled, aged, blended and bottled in Guyana. DDL is one of the leading suppliers of bulk rum to blenders and bottlers around the world. Among their offerings are the following, with descriptive notes from noted rum authority and author, Ed Hamilton (the "Minister of Rum" *) (*Note - Ed Hamilton has no financial interest in Demerara, nor does he import or distribute El Dorado rum) El Dorado Superior Demarera Rum 12 Year Old: Dark brown rum distilled from molasses. Aged 12 years in used whisky and bourbon barrels. Reformulated in 2006, El Dorado 12 is now much closer in flavor and texture to the flagship of Guyana, El Dorado 15 year old Special Reserve. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. Awards: Gold Medal 2007 Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition. Notes from Ed Hamilton: “El Dorado 12 year old. A blend of heavy and light rums aged at least 12 years on used American bourbon and whisky barrels. Look for roasted nuts in the body and the slight vanilla flavor in the body, finishes with a dry smoky oak finish.” El Dorado Special Reserve 15 year old: Dark brown rum distilled from molasses. Aged 15 years. The premium rum from Guyana. This bold smoky rum is best enjoyed with just a splash of water. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. Notes from Ed Hamilton: “El Dorado 15 year old. The flagship of the El Dorado brand. Slightly sweet initial taste with a medium-heavy body full of dried, dark fruit, tobacco and smoky oak flavors. “ El Dorado 21 year old: Dark brown rum distilled from molasses. Aged 21 years in used whisky and bourbon barrels. Blended from aged stocks of pot still and continuous still rum distilled and aged in Guyana. Slightly drier than the Special Reserve 15 year old. Notes from Ed Hamilton: “El Dorado 21 year old. The extra time spent aging is revealed in more vanilla flavor in the body and a smoother finish than the 15 year old. Look for the balance and continuity from the initial aroma through the finish. “ El Dorado 3 yr White Rum: Clear rum distilled from molasses. Aged 3 years in used whisky and bourbon barrels. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. El Dorado Golden Rum: Straw / yellow rum distilled from molasses. The lightest rum from Demarera. I drink this rum with fruit juices or lime and a little cane syrup. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. El Dorado Demarera Dark Rum: Light brown rum distilled from molasses. Blend of 2 year old rums. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. All I can say is, the aged El Dorado rums are seriously delicious and your personal rum paradigm is incomplete without having tasted them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol_ironstomach Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 El Dorado Special Reserve 15 year old: Dark brown rum distilled from molasses. Aged 15 years. The premium rum from Guyana. This bold smoky rum is best enjoyed with just a splash of water. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume.Notes from Ed Hamilton: “El Dorado 15 year old. The flagship of the El Dorado brand. Slightly sweet initial taste with a medium-heavy body full of dried, dark fruit, tobacco and smoky oak flavors. “ I received a bottle of this as a gift some years ago (and hey, there's still a third of it left!) A great sipper, as rum goes. Smoky is relative in this case; it's very muted compared to Scotch whisky. The splash of water tends to bring out a woody, almost bourbon nose, but on the palate I get plenty of dark cherries and tobacco, and then it finishes with rum sweetness. Cries out for a nice piece of dark chocolate to nibble on. ETA: works well with Perugina Nero 70%, but then there's that lingering bit of smoke...could go more bitter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulysses Posted June 28, 2008 Share Posted June 28, 2008 Also of note about this distiller: Oldest and only active WOODEN still, distills and AGES Pussers and Pyrat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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