Eminente debuts 10YO rum

Cuban rum brand Eminente has added a 10-year-old rum to its portfolio, called Gran Reserva Edition N°1.

The new expression was masterminded by César Martí, Cuba’s youngest maestro ronero (the name used for a master rum distiller). For Edition N°1, Martí aged a selection of aguardientes in a dry cellar, initially in white oak barrels that previously held whisky. This liquid, made from molasses distilled to 75% ABV, is then blended with light Cuban rum (distilled to 95% ABV) and matured further. The rum was finished it in French oak barrels for three months. The resultant liquid sits at an ABV of 43.5%, which is higher than average for a bottle of Cuban rum, the brand said. Martí said of his creation: “Gran Reserva Edition N°1 is the perfect balance of art, science, magic and talent in blending and ageing, giving it a unique integrity and character that takes it to a new dimension – it is a genuine expression of Cuba.” The rum is described as having 'floral' and 'woody' notes, such as orange blossom and sandalwood. Drinkers will also be able to detect an aroma of freshly roasted coffee, alongside honey and vanilla, with a fruity profile on the mouth that’s ‘driven by dried apricot and orange blossom’. The brand said the finish has the 'spicy character of Sichuan pepper' with additional flavours of caramel, pine sap and saffron. Camille de Dominicis, co-founder and managing director of Eminente, also commented: "We wanted to create something with real depth, craftsmanship and age that shows just what César is capable of creating. "With some of the oldest aguardientes at his fingertips and his pioneering ageing techniques, he has captured the essence of what Cuban rum stands for and just how extraordinary our rum at Eminente can be with additional ageing." Gran Reserva Edition N°1 is recommended served neat or over a large ice cube and can be picked up online and from select stores in the UK for an RRP of £75 (US$91). The brand's range already consists of the Eminente Amber Claro and the Eminente Reserve, the latter of which is the flagship bottle and aged for seven years. Back in 2021, we spoke to co-founders Camille de Dominicis and Briac Dessertenne to find out what Eminente is all about.