Eminente Gran Reserva, edition no.2
Eminente Gran Reserva Edition No.2 was one of my standout finds at The Rum Show last month, and one I found myself recommending whenever people asked what I’d enjoyed. I managed to recommend it enough that it had sold out by the time I made my way downstairs to the shop, fortunately there were still bottles available online! It was one of those bottles that I knew I wanted to spend more time with once I got home.
Eminente takes a slightly different approach to Cuban rum, using a high proportion of aguardiente in its blends. Aguardiente is the more full-bodied, flavourful spirit produced from sugar cane that sits at the heart of Eminente’s approach, rather than simply being a small component of the blend. Edition No.2 uses 80% aguardiente and follows the first Gran Reserva with a Sauternes cask finish, replacing the French oak used for Edition No.1. I also like the tactile feel of the bottle, which takes inspiration from Cuba’s landscape while using recycled glass.
Facts & Figures.
ABV: 43.2%
Country: Cuba
Age: 10 years
Cask: Finished in Sauternes casks
Still: Column
Price: £73.50
On the nose.
Apricots immediately stand out alongside slightly dry, toasted walnuts. A touch of honey adds an element of sweetness. There’s an intriguing, slightly moreish, note that has me leaning in for more. Underneath the sweeter, fruitier notes I find a healthy amount of dry bark complimented nicely by a bright, fresh, and almost floral note from the sugarcane influence. Very well balanced with the stone fruit remaining present throughout.
On the palate.
This is really fresh with the high aguardiente percentage of the blend making itself known straight away. Honey cuts through that fresh acidity before stepping aside to let the star of the show really sing – apricots!
There are also some nice woody, bark spices adding depth and complexity with a hint of pepper. The finish is reasonably long and dry with some dusty spices. Overall a very well balanced rum with the flavours needing to be carefully unpacked rather than leading on from another. Apricots and honey are the constant here.
8/10 – This stood out for me at the Rum Show and continues to do so.
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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