Cachaca of the Year 2020. For our first Cachaca of the Year, I willl not name a shortlist, I will just announce which cachaca I enjoyed the most this year. To be honest (and shame on you all) the reviews of cachaca I do, just don’t generate the same kind of interest that my usual rum reviews do.
Rum of the Year 2020 – Shortlist. Now, we all know 2020 didn’t really go as we all might have expected. I’m not going to go too much into that here. I think we are all probably sick of hearing about it. I know I am.
Instead, we’ll just focus on all the great rum that came available in 2020. Luckily I haven’t been impacted by COVID-19 or the impending finalisation of Brexit, so far at least, in terms of available rum purchases. Some releases have been delayed but despite this, we still have a damned good shortlist for Rum of the Year 2020.
Chairman’s Reserve Master’s Selection – UK Rum Club Exclusive. This particular post isn’t going to be quite what you might be expecting. It’s not MY review of the Chairman’s Reserve Master’s Selection – UK Rum Club Exclusive.
No, I’ve chosen not to review the 100% Vendome Pot Still single cask number 173, which was chosen by Steven James (Rum Diaries Blog) and myself. It would in my mind be a bit pointless and could easily cause a lot of criticism, if I gave what was effectively my own bottling a 5 star rating, for example. I’ve recently reviewed the Chairman’s Reserve Legacy which I also recommend!
Chairman’s Reserve Legacy. Saint Lucia Distillers (SLD) have been very busy these past few years. Rapidly expanding their rum portfolio, especially in the export market. Building upon the Chairman’s Reserve name in the shape of a continuous 1931 release, they have also released several single casks and limited edition rums under the Chairman’s Reserve banner.
Vidya The River Mumma. I’m pleased to present today the first Independent bottling from UK based importer/distributor Skylark Spirits. As you will learn from this review they have started things at the more daring end of the rum spectrum.
I think it was Rumfest 2018 that I first became aware of any aged rum from the New Yarmouth Distillery on Jamaica. I tried a Compagnie des Indes bottling and reviewed the higher ABV Denmark only release.
Cachaca Princesa Isabel Balsamo Jaqueira. This Cachaca hails from Linhares in the state of Espirito Santo. Cachaca Princesa Isabel is produced at the Fazenda Tupa on the banks of the River Doce. If you have a look on their Facebook page, you will be able to see the stunning countryside that surround the Fazenda.
Levy Lane Rum Co Tamosi Port Cask. I recently reviewed the “regular” blend of Tamosi rum. This is pretty much the same blend with a Port Cask finish and a higher ABV. Should be good? We’ll sharp find out.
As well as the regular Tamosi release, the Levy Lane Rum Co. have also got two “single cask” rums which I will be reviewing as quickly as I can.