Ron del Barrilito launches 35-year-old rum

by Owen Bellwood

Puerto Rican rum brand Ron del Barrilito has launched a new blend that contains liquid aged for up to 35 years in ex-oloroso Sherry casks.

Just 2,500 bottles of Ron del Barrilito Five Stars will be released, making it the first limited edition bottling from the brand in its 138-year history. The first 200 bottles of Ron del Barrilito Five Stars will be individually numbered and presented in a wooden chest. On the nose, Ron del Barrilito Five Stars has aromas of "plums, bananas, almonds, vanilla, and caramelised sugar cane", while the palate has a "natural sweetness and smoky wood finish". Master blender, Luis Planas, said: "Ron del Barrilito is much more than a fine aged rum, Ron del Barrilito Five Stars was conceived for the rum connoisseur, who collects high-quality spirits and savours their careful craftsmanship." The limited edition expression has been bottled at 43% abv and will be available from August, carrying a recommended retail price of US$750 per 750ml bottle. According to the latest Brand Champion supplement published by The Spirits Business, Philippine brand Tanduay has overtaken Bacardi to become the world’s best-selling rum brand.