Raising Glasses Whistler 14 year (2009) Venezuela

This rum was sent to me by the folks at Raising Glasses to try

Review #1036; Rum #364

Raising Glasses Whistler 14 year (2009) Venezuela

I was sent this sample by the folks at Raising Glasses to try

This bottle of rum (or sample in this case) we have here is from Raising Glasses, an independent bottler located in the Northeast of the United States. Hot off of 4 single casks in 2022 they have these new casks coming soon that I will be trying. This single cask of rum comes to us from Venezuela (RG was not allowed to disclose but I would venture to guess its Corporacion Alcoholes del Caribe S.A). This molasses based rum was distilled on a column still, aged for 12 years in Venezuela, then a further 2 in the UK. It was then bottled at cask strength with no additives.

ABV: 62.1%

Nose: Toasted Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Espresso, Vanilla Chai

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, vanilla Chai, Cinnamon, Toasted Brown Sugar, allspice, nutmeg, clove

Finish: Medium length finish, Dark chocolate, vanilla chai, cinnamon, toasted brown sugar, nutmeg, a touch of heat

Rating: 7/10

This is great, and quite impressive. I have had a few aged rums from Venezuela since the XXX/2 release the Aficionados did and this is the 1st one that measures up to it for me. This has a nice savory backbone, with is complimented well by spices and some sweetness. I really like this style of rum

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect