The El Dorado Skeldon 18 Year Old Rum is a distinguished and limited edition bottling that highlights the legacy of the Skeldon distillery. Once located in the North-East of Guyana near the Suriname border, the distillery was operational until 1960, producing sugar at the Skeldon Sugar Factory, which continues to exist today even though it no longer distills molasses.
This exceptional rum was distilled in 2000 at the renowned Diamond Distillery using the Blair column for continuous distillation. It spent 18 years maturing before being bottled in 2018 at its natural cask strength of 58.3% ABV. The SWR mark on the bottle is a direct nod to the unique distillation style practiced at the Skeldon distillery before its closure in 1960.
Upon opening, the rum initially presents a veil of solvent, but with some air, it reveals its true, complex character. It is a dark and serious rum with an intensely rich profile. Aromas of toasted oak, molasses, and nuts are prominent, but there's much more to uncover. The palate is concentrated and sticky, resembling hot toffee, with notes of burnt wood and dark coffee that evolve into a fully cooked and melted American oak profile. Classic vanilla, coconut, and tobacco notes reach a deep maturity, maintaining a balanced and harmonious profile with a solemn yet regressive quality.
Overall, the El Dorado Skeldon 18 Year Old Rum is a rare and exceptional expression of Demerara rum, showcasing the unique distillation style of the Skeldon distillery and the exceptional aging potential of Guyana's molasses.
The rum is aged for 18 years, having been distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2018.
This rum was distilled at the Diamond Distillery in Guyana.
The SWR mark references the unique distillation style that was practiced at the Skeldon distillery before it closed in 1960.
The rum is bottled at its natural cask strength of 58.3% ABV.
The rum features complex notes of vanilla, coconut, caramel, dried fruit, spices, wood, chocolate, coffee, and mocha.
Reviewers consistently praise the El Dorado Skeldon 18 Year Old Rum for its balanced and complex profile. Many highlight the well-integrated alcohol and the pronounced woodiness that does not dominate but complements the other flavors. The nose is described as balanced and varied, featuring caramel, cream toffee, walnut, bourbon, dried fruit, spice, and barrel notes. The palate is oily with sweet notes of burnt sugar, coffee, dark chocolate, and wood. The finish is harmonious, though not eternally long, and remains elegant and delicious.
Some reviewers compare this rum to its "brother," the Skeldon 2001 S.B.S. "The Nectar," noting its similar nose but with greater sweetness. Overall, they describe it as deep, elegant, and lively, with a long, rich finish. Many express amazement that such a high-class profile is still available at its price point, considering the current demand for premium rums.
While some note the high price as a consideration, they acknowledge the rum's exceptional balance and representation of Demerara characteristics. Common descriptors include chocolate, caramel, spices, vanilla, nuts, dried fruits, and subtle exotic and fresh notes. It's seen as a superb alternative to more expensive Demerara rums, offering a highly expressive and multi-faceted experience.
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