Angostura 1824
It’s been nearly 2 years since I’ve tasted this; I’d forgotten I had it!
Angostura are most famous for their bitters, not their Rum; not many people know they produce Rum. This bottle comes from Trinidad Distillers Limited, the only Rum distillery in Trinidad. Angostura name some of their releases after significant dates in their history – 1824 being the year their bitters were created.
I chose to come back to this rum as the brand and their team have created some fond memories for me. I have sipped on most of their core range, from their cheapest rum made for mixing to the premium Zenith featured at Rum Show 2024.
When I tried the Angostura 7, on first meet, I classed it as a high end mixing rum or a beginners neat sipper. At that time, the 1824 was a big step up in body and flavours.
Facts & Figures.
ABV: 40%
Country: Trinidad
Age: 12 years
Cask: ex-Bourbon oak
Still: Column
Price: £55
Distillery: Trinidad Distillers Limited
Angostura recently re-released their range in newly branded bottles. The bottle I have is a few years old now, but the liquid itself stays the same.
On the nose.
There are a lot of dried spices, cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise. A little ethanol with citrus peel, bold oranges. There’s a really pleasant milk chocolate note, not a bar but warm brownies. The chocolate is complimented by raisins, vanilla and granulated brown sugar.
On the palate.
Working my palate harder than expected, gentle baking spices from the nose pair with dark cherries. There’s a touch of leather tannins that add depth. I noted the vanilla and chocolate from the nose are joined by super soft toffee. The mouthfeel on this is much thinner than I remembered, however in the last 6 years my palate has developed to enjoy higher ABV rum.
5/10 – I’ve enjoyed revisiting this, but would be more likely to make an old fashioned with it than drink it neat.
My scoring system, explained
- 10: Exceptional. This is best in class and a firm favourite of mine.
- 9: Outstanding. Near perfection, a bottle I would be sad to finish (and very happy to restock!)
- 8: Excellent. An evening spent sipping this would be a very good one.
- 7: Great. Add to cart, no questions asked.
- 6: Very good. At the right price I would definitely buy a bottle.
- 5: Good. If someone poured me a glass you wouldn’t hear me complain.
- 4: Above average. Not quite good but better than some.
- 3: Average. Average at best, this isn’t offensive but equally not exciting either.
- 2: Not for me. This simply means it’s not a profile I find enjoyable; rather than a reflection of quality.
- 1: Not the spirit. This is a poor representation of the spirit.
