Here is another rum from Velier, which definitely offers splendors that are too little known, authentic because often cask strength and aged entirely in the tropics (the only bottler to have its entries to the Diamond distillery). Certainly this Port Mourant 1993 has a high alcohol content, and it is certainly not the best vintage to start in this field, but it is also and above all a piece of history from Guyana and made from the famous Port Mourant double wooden still. Back to the past for a new tasting of Demerara rum…

Price : between 90 and 115€ for a 70cl bottle. . As supply is becoming scarce, expect to pay around a hundred euros. This vintage has since been replaced by the Port Mourant 1997, which is one year older.

Age : Velier, as usual, does not skimp on information: the rum was distilled in June 1993 and bottled in March 2006, i.e. 13 years for this bottle; all entirely aged on site in Guyana in the warehouses of the Diamond Distillery.

The bottle label tells us that the rum comes from a double pot still, but given its provenance it can only be the famous Port Mourant double pot still, and therefore made of wood, over 250 years old and unique in the world: made in 1732, it first operated in the distillery of the same name, before being later transferred to the Uitvlught distillery, and finally in 2000 to the only distillery in Guyana, the aptly named Diamond. 

The rum has a beautiful amber color, very close to this fossilized plant resin that is used to make jewelry. And the similarity with amber does not stop there since the very texture of the rum is also similar to a kind of resin, and already suggests a heavy and thick rum, very oily even though it is -only- 13 years old. Here is a good example (and even a textbook case) of a rum entirely aged in the tropics. Its equivalent aged in Europe would be far from having such a texture (and color). Very nice appearance therefore for this big 13-year-old baby.

The smell that comes out of the glass is initially powerful because it is quite concentrated - and alcoholic - but a short rest period allows the rum to open up with a superb fruity note full of sugar : we recognize very ripe banana, apricot and mango. Spices are also present, liquorice, caramel, and a veil of sugar cane that is very perceptible which brings a herbaceous side to the whole. This last smell is quite rare in other Velier rums. After a new rest period we note the more frank presence of fruits that become more dried, notably grapes and figs, and we can distinguish a slight smell of leather or perhaps tobacco (smell of a cigar box). A rather pleasant and warm nose where the alcohol is quite present, so be careful not to get your nose too close! A great introduction to this Port Mourant 1993, now let's see what it gives in the mouth...

The attack is supple, oily and very powerful . The alcohol tingles the tip of the tongue and the liquorice literally invades the mouth hand in hand with a very present woody oak note; it is peppery, herbaceous and still a bit refreshing (slightly mentholated). The fruitiness perceived on the nose has faded and is only present in the background, and only the spices and a slight note of smoke manage to make a small place for themselves (clove in particular). As the nose suggested, the alcohol is very present and occasionally burns your tongue, so enjoy it in very small quantities.

The finish is still as powerful and endless . It is spicy and we find the grassy side already present earlier in the mouth. In the same line as the sensations felt in the mouth, also strong and virile!

Here is a powerful and imposing rum that will have a hard time satisfying everyone. From start to finish, the Port Mourant 1993 from Velier reminds us of its high alcohol content, and for good reason, at 65° it is one of the highest rums in the range. Perhaps too much for rum lovers, but certainly a great gift for whisky lovers who will find an ideal rum there. It is no coincidence that Serge from WhiskyFun praised it. Score: 81.5

To help you (and me) find your way around, regarding the notes:

90 and + : exceptional and unique rum, it is the best of the best
between 85 and 89 : highly recommended rum, with that little something that makes the difference
between 80 and 84 : recommendable rum
75-79 POINTS : above average
70-74 POINTS : in the low average
less than 70 : not very good

Review courtesy of DuRhum.com.

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