Eariler this year Demerara Distillers Limited announced some new rums in their El Dorado range. Limited edition releases of rums from single stills. This one is from the Versailles (VSG) still.
It seems that Demerara Distillers have set out a very different direction for their US and European bottlings. Last year the US were treated to a range of wine finished expressions of their flagship 15 Year Old rum. The European market was treated instead to three Rare Collection rums. This Versailles 2002 is one of them.
Velier Diamond and Port Mourant a rare “blend” of Demerara rum from the Italian super bottlers.
El Dorado have been hitting the headlines lately with their Rare Collection. This Original Dark Rum is available in the Netherlands (where it is bottled) and it is also listed on the official El Dorado website. However I’d never seen it in the UK until Beers of Europe had a stash of this and a white in a similar style bottle.
When “Premium” Rum is spoken about Velier really should be seen as the pinnacle if any such category really, truly exists. Especially when it comes to Demerara Rum from the Diamond Distillery.
Velier are an Italian Independent bottler. One of the few bottlers that focus on rum rather than Whisky. Velier have been setting the standards for independent bottlers since the 1990’s and led by the irrepressible Luca Gargano, they are showing no signs of slowing down.
Banks are probably best known for their 5 and 7 Island Blends. In July 2015 Banks Rums were bought out by Bacardi. What plans Bacardi have for Banks Rum is anyones guess. So far no changes have taken place
Silver Seal Whisky Company are independent bottlers of Whisky and to a lesser extent rums. They hail from Scotland (at least this is where the rum is bottled) and their rums and whiskies are largely available online from Whisky Antique and Rhum Excellence. Italian and French websites. They aren’t readily available in the UK. Which is just typical of the ever confusing rum world.