Copeland smugglers reserve, Bordeaux Grand Cru
It’s been a little while since I first reviewed Copeland’s Smuggler’s Reserve Bordeaux Grand Cru, but recently I sat down and revisited the entire range side by side. Tasting them in the same sitting gave me a fresh perspective, so it felt like the right time to come back and update my thoughts on this bottle.
Copeland Distillery’s rum range blends spirit distilled in Northern Ireland with rum sourced from Barbados, with each Smuggler’s Reserve release showcasing a different cask finish. The Bordeaux Grand Cru remains one of the more distinctive expressions in the lineup, and revisiting it alongside the rest of the range made it easier to appreciate both what makes it unique and how it fits within the wider series.
Facts & Figures.
ABV: 42%
Country: Northern Ireland & Barbados
Age: Unknown
Cask: ex-bourbon barrels & Bordeaux Grand Cru red wine casks
Still: Pot
Price: £42
Distillery: Copeland & Undisclosed
On the nose.
Initially all I could get was acetone, wet wood and a hint of damp dog. Spending some more time nosing this leaves room for pineapple and pears to develop. Now to mention the obvious… this is FUNKY! Think Jamaica and then dial it down a touch you’ll have an idea of the estery goodness present. This is fresh, musky and sweet.
On the palate.
Cherry initially dominates before pineapple and vanilla take centre stage. A little soft pepper adds a touch of spice. The mouthfeel is quite drying. I expected more red fruits/red wine notes to be present but their influence on the balance and the profile are undeniably present.
An unexpected saline note cuts through the funk with some wood spice and overripe pineapple closing things out on the finish.
6/10 – Not my usual neat sipper but this is fun.
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.
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