ADMIRAL RODNEY OFFICER'S RELEASE #2 ST. LUCIA RUM
ST. LUCIA
Why Buy: This limited edition (only 1,500 bottles currently in the marketplace), double-barreled rum is proof of the transformative power of tropical aging, which has elevated a 15-year-old spirit (it was distilled it in 2009, using Admiral Rodney’s famed Coffey still) to the complexity, maturity, and depth of a much-longer-aged spirit. The result is an exceptional rum that bottles the essence of St. Lucia's prized terroir and, amid a slew of competitors, stands out to us for its strikingly luscious richness.
What They're Saying: The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has established it as a benchmark in the world of premium rums. Dave Broom, the author of Rum: The Manual and The World Atlas of Whisky and co-host of "A World of Booze" podcast, has long counted himself an Admiral Rodney fan, noting the "genuine complexity, "huge mouthfeel,” and "great length” that have long been the brand’s calling cards.
Our Tasting Notes: The initial nose is an intoxicating blend of honeyed raisin and candied fruits, underpinned by toasty licorice oak and a whisper of toffee. On the palate, it takes you on a winding journey, through layers upon layers of flavor: sweet tropical fruits give way to a spicy vanilla-tobacco intensity, culminating in a surprising hint of peaty earthiness — a reminder of its final rest in Irish whiskey casks. The mouthfeel is gloriously soft and rich, with a warmth that lingers long after the last sip. This is a rum that demands contemplation, and that will serve up new nuances with each tasting.
The Method: Distilled in 2009 using a 45-plate Coffey still, the spirit is extracted from the bottom plates, ensuring maximum flavor intensity. The tropical aging process, wherein the hot and humid climate of St. Lucia accelerates the interaction between rum and barrel, imparts a depth and complexity typically associated with much older spirits. After initial maturation in American white oak bourbon casks, the rum undergoes a nine-month finish in European oak Irish whiskey barrels, adding subtle peaty and earthy notes to the profile.
The Story: Admiral Rodney rum pays homage to the British naval officer Admiral Georges Brydges Rodney, a key figure in the 1782 Battle of the Saintes. The more relevant story here, however, is of St. Lucia Distillers, a company that has been crafting exceptional rums since 1932, and that remains, in this era of growing conglomerate control, independently owned. Nestled in the gorgeous Roseau Valley, surrounded by lush rainforest, the distillery has become a beacon of innovation in the rum world, and is widely hailed for the creative freedom it allows, and which — with Duplessis at the helm, with his decades of expertise, and reverence for both tradition and innovation — produces truly exceptional spirits.
ABV: 45% (90 proof)
What to Pair It With: This complex rum deserves thoughtful pairing. Try it alongside a dark chocolate truffle infused with orange zest, or pair it with a well-aged gouda for a surprising flavor combination. For cigar aficionados, a medium-bodied Maduro wrapper cigar will complement the rum's rich, spicy notes without overpowering its subtleties.
Fun Fact: The Battle of the Saintes put an end to the French encroachment upon Jamaica, and affirmed British preeminence in the Caribbean for most of the next two centuries.
Our Guarantee: As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate or distiller, to ensure that your bottles arrive with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2024). All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer only valid in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, MO, NJ, NV, TX. & WI This offer will expire on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
