Review #629/630; Rum #119/120: Habiation Velier Savanna HERR US vs Euro Release

This is a blind comparsion of the EU and US versions of the Savanna HERR Rum from Savanna distillery on La Reunion, bottled by Habitation Velier. This was done semi-blind so keep that in mind while reading my notes. HERR is High Ester Reunion Rum, and is the highest ester count of any bottlings by Savanna. Let’s see how I did

Plain Glencairn (USA)

ABV: 61.1%

Nose: Pungent, Juicy fruit gum, Pineapple, Raspberry, Tart Blueberries, faint olive.

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Explosion of Juicy fruit, Pineapple, bluberry, raspberry, slight vanilla, faint olive, slight grill char.

Finish: Long finish, Juicy Fruit, Grilled Pineapple, Vanilla Bean, Blueberry, Raspberry, grill Char

Rating: 9/10

Simply fantastic and amazing, my favorite unaged rum.

Guess: USA H.V. HERR

Reveal: USA H.V. HERR

Central Ohio Bourbon Glencairn (EU)

ABV: 62.5

Nose: Pungent, Juicy Fruit, Briney, Olive Oil, Orange Peel, Black Pepper, Raspberry,

Palate: Thick Oily Mouthfeel, Jucky Fruit, Brine, Light Grass, Orange Peel, Grilled Pineapple, Basil, Lemon Zest

Finish: Long Finish, Lemon Zest, Juicy Fruit, Brine, Light Grass, Pepper, Minerality.

Rating: 9/10

Guess EU H.V. Herr

Reval: EU H.V. Herr

Both of these are fantastic rums, thick mouthfeel, full of flavor, pungent and just plain delicious. These reign supreme as my favorite unaged expressions, though the EU version is slightly more savory than the US Version. That could be down to a variety of factors, however both of these are simply all time greats for me.

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