English Harbour Extra Old Rum

Difford's Guide

alc./vol: 40%

Proof: 80°

Vintage: Non-vintage

Aged: No age statement

Product of: Product of Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda

Distilled from Guyanan sugar cane molasses using a column still, Extra Old is aged 5-8 years in ex-bourbon casks. Back in 2006 we were told ‘Extra Old’ was imminently to be replaced by new packaging with an improved blend and a 10 year old age statement. However, the Extra Old remains on the market.

English Harbour rum is named after the scenic port on the Caribbean island of Antigua in the Leeward Islands. The largest natural harbour in the Caribbean, for years this served as an important naval base and is now a popular anchorage with yachtsman. English Harbour rum is made at Antigua Distillery, the only distillery on the island.

Antigua Distillery Limited was formed in 1932 when a number of rum shop owners on the island joined forces. In those early days the company sold two kinds of rum - un-aged and aged rums under the brand name Caballero. Later, in the 1950s, Cavalier Rum was introduced and remains a successful brand on the island today. The English Harbour brand was introduced in the 1990s.

The company imports molasses from Guyana which unusually are fermented using baker’s yeast and open fermentation vats. All English Harbour rums are light-bodied and distilled in the company’s ageing five column continuous still which retains its original copper plates.

Antigua Distillery exclusively use 200 litre American oak barrels previously used for ageing bourbon, in which the rum is aged for at least five years. Blends are assembled and married in 5,000 litre oaks vats (which are as old as the company itself) before filtration and bottling on site.

Review and Tasting


Sampled on 22/01/2012

Appearance:

Clear, dark coppery gold with bronze highlights.

Aroma:

Fudge, leather and berry fruit crème brûlée.

Taste:

Powdery oak tannins balance sweet toffee, golden syrup, vanilla and ginger cake.

Aftertaste:

Rich, toffee and golden syrup with rolling tobacco finishing with bitter tannins.

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Product Information

Closure: Natural cork stopper

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Produced by: Antigua Distillery Ltd
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