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This Reserve Speciale is double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged for eight years in white oak barrels to produce one of the finest rums of its kind in the world.
Rhum Barbancourt Review:
Aroma: The nose of the rum is incredibly fruity but the strongest note is the peppercorn. The nose of the rum is incredibly fruity but the strongest note is the peppercorn.
Body: Medium to heavy body. Medium to heavy body.
Taste: Fruity and lightly spicy. Fruity and lightly spicy.
Finish: As you would expect, the finish is long and fruity. As you would expect, the finish is long and fruity.
Barbancourt 5 Star The Reserve Speciale is distilled within the Philtre D’Amour Range. It is also the first rum to be awarded Cognac’s AOC (Appellation d’Origine Controlee) certification, the most prestigious title in the spirits world (http://www.fdiquepostale.fr/themes/dossier/reserve_specia.pdf). In the Rum world the only other international rum which has command the prestigious “AOC” title is Matusalem Gran Reserva 21 Years. Matusalem Gran Reserva 21 Years:
Aroma: Armagnac’s signature caramel and prune-like notes are present, but are a bit more subtle. It is also sweeter than the 5 Star with something like fried cornbread, in the background. Armagnac’s signature caramel and prune-like notes are present, but are a bit more subtle. It is also sweeter than the 5 Star with something like fried cornbread, in the background.
Body: Heavier, but not by much. Heavier, but not by much.
Taste: “Fried Cornbread” flavor is much stronger here. The flavor is much sweeter than the 5 Star, but not at all cloying; finishing with very little burn. The caramel and bitterness are in
The mouth long after the finish. “Fried Cornbread” flavor is much stronger here. The flavor is much sweeter than the 5 Star, but not at all cloying; finishing with very little burn. The caramel and bitterness are inthe mouth long after the finish.
Finish: Again, it’s the finish that really separates the two rums. The 5 Star’s is long and fruity, while the Gran Reserva’s is long and sweet. Two completely different styles.
The friend’s reaction is atypical. Some of the best rums available to the consumer – both in Europe and the US – are from the French Caribbean, but their prices are a shattering surprise. The reaction is understandable and predictable, but it turns out that with the right cocktail, you can still enjoy fine rum on a budget.
In this case, the combination of the fruity and mildly peppery flavors of 5 Star helps create a drink that is especially refreshing. The most expensive ingredient (the Boca Chica) is just over a dollar a shot, and if you look for it, you can find it locally.
What do the extra ingredients do?
The real magic happens in the finish when the rhum’s body and opacity meld with the orange notes of the other ingredients. The black pepper is also an ingredient of deliciously sophisticating flavor. Remember that this drink was designed on a budget! What do the extra ingredients do?The real magic happens in the finish when the rhum’s body and opacity meld with the orange notes of the other ingredients. The black pepper is also an ingredient of deliciously sophisticating flavor. Remember that this drink was designed on a budget!
A darker, more summery variant of this drink is designed to accentuate the peppery flavors. It replaces the 5 Star with Bacardi 8, a rum that has some spicy flavors that aren’t as strong because of the rum’s lower proof. The Boca Chica is still the dominant ingredient, with the Cuarenta using orange curacao and a dash of cinnamon syrup.
