Brugal Leyenda, 5 anniversario

This is a pretty special rum to be sat with for a couple of reasons… firstly it’s not exported to the UK so a friend very kindly got this rum for me on a trip to the Dominican Republic and secondly it was my 100th bottle which is a milestone I didn’t think I’d get to when I started That Rum Drinker.

At only 38% ABV this is a tad lower than I typically appreciate but it’s a great example of a Spanish style Ron (rum) from the Dominican Republic.

This bottling was created to honour the legacy of Don Andrés Brugal Montaner (the founder of Brugal). As is synonymous with Brugal this rum is double aged first for 2-5 years in ex-bourbon American oak barrels and then in ex Oloroso European red oak barrels

Nose

There is a lot of acidity that makes me think of a combination of vinegar, vibrant red fruits and red wine that’s been open a few days. This is balanced nicely against some sweeter notes of vanilla, caramel and dried banana.

As this sits in the glass we start to see lots of wet wood, raisins, walnuts, a hint of chocolate and the remnants of toasted spices that are almost completely burned off. Rich and well rounded.

Palate

This has a rather syrupy mouthfeel with quite a bit of sweetness – maple syrup and plump raisins.

After some time in the glass rich toffee develops with some notes of fresh peaches which pairs nicely with woody spices.

The finish is enjoyable with more tannins, red fruit in the background and background hints of wet wood.

Overall this rum is enjoyable with some nice complexities in profile but it does feel a little unbalanced and a tad too sweet.

5/10 – This is enjoyable but it doesn’t fill me with the excitement it did when I first tried it.