El Dorado Aged 12 Years Finest Demerara Rum. It has been quite a while since I last reviewed any of the rums from El Dorado’s “core” range.

Since then there have been revelations that they age their rum in barrels which have been coated in caramel. Rather than “adding sugar” post distillation. Whether this is true or not I’m not entirely sure. They seem to have miraculously managed to produce their 12, 15 and 21 year old rums without any interruption, with considerably less “additives” since the EU 20g/L limit was imposed…….not sure how they could have uncoated so many barrels?

Quite why anyone at El Dorado would think that coating their barrels in caramel is somehow more “artisanal” or would be more accepted by more cynical rum colleagues is anyone’s guess. I for one find the whole story a little hard to believe, bearing in mind how quickly they have been able to reduce the amount of additives in this rum. It should be noted that this is not some small batch product after all…….

Anyway, when the whole “additives” issue originally played out – it was fair to say that El Dorado was seen as one of the worst culprits. In 2014 this rum clocked in 39g/L of “additives” via a Hydrometer Test. It now stands at 6g/L. Quite what difference 6g/L of “additives” makes to a rum I don’t know but someone must feel it is necessary.

El Dorado Aged 12 Years Finest Demerara Rum is a blend of rums from the original Wooden Enmore Coffey still, the original metal Diamond Coffey still, as well as from the Port Mourant Double Wooden Pot Still. So there is a fair amount of history in this blend.

In the UK a 70cl bottle will set you back around £38 it is bottled at conservative 40% ABV.

Presentation wise there have been slight changes to the bottle label and box but the rum remains in the rather nautical rounded stubby bottle, which I have always liked.

In the glass El Dorado Aged 12 Year Finest Demerara Rum is a dark brown colour with a reddish/orange hue. There will be caramel colouring in this bottling but to be fair nearly all continuously released commercial rum bottlings have such small additions of caramel for consistency.

On the nose we get those familiar Demerara notes of raisins and caramel. I’m not getting much by way of aniseed or liquorice that can be present in some Demerara rums. This is much lighter and fruitier than that with notes of plum and strawberries.

Beneath the initials sweetness is a little oak and some very gently spice but it’s very inoffensive overall and a bit one dimensional to be honest.

Further nosing doesn’t reveal a great deal more to be honest. Everything is pleasant enough but its not blowing me away at this stage.

On the sip El Dorado Aged 12 Years Finest Demerara Rum is very much like its nose. Initially it is quite sweet with lots of raisins, plums and caramel. It’s enjoyable but it could do with filling out a little. It feels a little underpowered.

On the mid palate we get notes of milk chocolate and a touch of sweet berries. The rum seems to dry out quite quickly though leaving behind a slightly bitter after taste in the mouth.

As we come to the finish the rum becomes reasonably spicy with some nice oak notes and a touch of white pepper. There is still a lingering toffee note. Sadly it is spoilt by the slightly astringent and strange after taste which seems to linger. The finish is short and seems to shudder to a halt.

This is a rum which starts off rather brightly but which quickly seems to fade away and become pretty average.

I did originally enjoy this (yes even with 39g/L of additives) but that was back in 2014. I doubt I would be able to stomach this now with 39g/L of additives.

In 2024 and even with the radical reduction in additives this still falls short for me. I doubt it is solely because of the conservative ABV. I feel that this is a rum which is happy to plod a well worn path and El Dorado do not want to take any risks with their core range.

Which means that this is probably a rum which not many Rum Enthusiasts will be buying or raving about. It will remain very much for the more casual consumer.

It’s pleasant enough and creeps into being classified as good but only just.