That Boutique-y Rum Company C.A.C.D Venezuela. This South American country is perhaps not the first location you might conjure up when thinking about rum producing countries but there is little doubt that it shifts a fair amount of the noble spirit.

Brands such as Pampero, Cacique and Santa Teresa have long been staples in many bars the world over. As I was beginning my Rum Journey early in the last decade it was frequently noted that Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, was the “best” or one of the best rums in the world. Whilst that opinion may have shifted in more serious rum circles it is still a very high selling brand.

That Boutique-y Rum Company C.A.C.D Venezuela is produced at Corporation Alcoholes del Caraibe S.A. Rums from this distillery are often noted as being from C.A.C.D. or C.A.D.C by independent bottlers. There are quite a few different bottlings around at the moment. The distillery is based in San Felipe, Yaracuy state. Apparently, the first mixing of Angostura’s formula for bitters was mixed here. The distillery produces the Cacique brand, amongst others.

C.A.C.D is essentially an alcohol plant rather than a more traditional distillery you might fine on some sunny Caribbean island. As a result the rum in my glass today is produced on a multi column still, which is capable of producing a range of rum and other alcoholic spirits

This rum is noted as being a MVCDF marque – I cannot find an explanation of what this means. Unlike many rums from this part of the world it has not been coloured or adulterated in anyway with sweeteners etc. Unlike many of the more famous Venezuelan rum brands. C.A

That Boutique-y Rum Company C.A.C.D Venezeula has been aged for 15 years. I assume partly continentally aged but I don’t know for certain. This is the first batch of Venezuelan C.A.C.D rum to be bottled by The Boutique-y Rum Company and there are 259 50cl bottles of this liquid available at Master of Malt (and other Independent retailers) for £54.95. When you consider the price you pay for distillery owned bottles from Venezuela aged for considerably less than 15 years – this is a pretty good price. You also know you are trying something without any nasties added.

Presentation we are seeing a view from an aeroplane featuring Mount Roraima which serves as the tripoint of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana. The artwork is taken of by the very talented Jim’ll Paint It.

So there we have it. Thats as much information as I have at present. So why don’t I get my nose into a glass and give my tonsils a tickle?

Indeed, in the glass That Boutique-y Rum Company C.A.C.D Venezuela presents itself as a dark brown with a reddish/orange hue.

The extra ABV over most distillery bottlings from Venezuela certainly gives the nose a lot more body. It’s full of leather arm chairs, peppery spice and tobacco. It has a rich smoky aroma as well. Milk chocolate, cocoa and some “buttery” aromas mingle alongside the tobacco and leather notes to complete a very pleasant and nicely balanced nose.

It’s inviting and quite approachable without being too straightforward. It’s as complex as it gets really when it comes to multi column unsweetened rum.

It reminds me a little of the hard to find 1938 Anejo Seleccion from Pampero. I quite like Pampero so that is no bad thing. More time in the glass reveals more of the “buttery” nature of this rum and the sweeter notes come out more. Some fruity notes with a lot of red berries coming out now.

Sipped again the ABV adds a lot more body and gives this a much more rummy experience than many 40% (and below) rums from this part of the world. It’s quite “meaty” and substantial.

The initial sip is smoky with a fair hit of tobacco and cocoa. There is a good weight of spiciness to this rum. It reminds me a little of Flor de Cana in how barrel driven this spirit is. The time in the cask has really made its mark on this light column distillate.

The mid palate has a slight licorice note to it alongside the spicy oak and dark chocolate notes. Coffee adds to the mix as does a burst of dark juicy fruit – raisin and some plums.

There is a good deal of balance and complexity with this rum. It’s dry but has a light sweetness to it as well. I like the barrel influence and this is certainly one of the better rums from this part of the world. Which just shows what a difference additives are making to rum. Not for the good either.

The finish is long and fades out nicely with notes of dark chocolate, oak spice and a slightly buttery/nutty note. The tobacco notes remain throughout this rum making it a bit of a “cigar rum”. That said unlike some Cuban rums for example the Tobacco is not overbearing.

This is a rum which I think will grown on you. That’s not to say it isn’t very pleasant to begin with but its the type of rum you will come back to every now and again and really savour. It’s the type of rum to start the night with and maybe have one or two glasses. Best taken slowly in a comfy armchair.

Looking back I have always had a bit of soft spot/guilty pleasure relationship with Venezuelan rum. I still enjoy Pampero and Cacique – I will often be found drinking Cacique when on holiday in Spain. I’ve never been quite so stuck on Diplomatico though. Santa Teresa 1796 is still a solid sipper as well, even with a touch of additives.

I really enjoyed this. I think someone who likes Pampero Aniversario Exclusiva and wants to try something at a higher ABV (and more flavour) would really get a lot out of this bottling. As I think would any Flor de Cana fans.

If all you can appreciate is Cask Strength Caroni and Double Strength DOK then avoid……..