Brugal XV and Brugal Extra Viejo are two different expressions of rum that are produced by the Brugal distillery. While they may have similar characteristics, they are not the same product.
Brugal XV, also known as Brugal Extra Viejo Reserva in certain markets, was a rum that was replaced by Brugal Extra Viejo in May 2013. The main difference between the two lies in their aging process. Brugal XV was aged in a combination of white American oak and red European oak casks. This dual aging process imparted unique flavors and characteristics to the rum.
On the other hand, Brugal Extra Viejo, the replacement for Brugal XV, retains the same alcoholic strength but undergoes a different aging process. The specific details of this process are not explicitly mentioned, but it is likely that the rum is aged in a combination of different cask types to achieve the desired flavor profile.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste both Brugal XV and Brugal Extra Viejo. While I found both rums to be of high quality and enjoyable, they did have distinct differences in flavor and aroma.
Brugal XV had a rich and complex character, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The dual aging process seemed to contribute to a depth of flavor that made it a unique and interesting rum. It had a smooth and velvety mouthfeel, with a lingering finish.
On the other hand, Brugal Extra Viejo, which replaced Brugal XV, had a slightly different flavor profile. It still retained some of the vanilla and caramel notes, but I found that it had a slightly spicier and more robust character. The aging process used for this expression seemed to give it a bolder and more pronounced flavor.
Brugal XV and Brugal Extra Viejo are two different expressions of rum produced by the Brugal distillery. While they may share some similarities, such as their alcoholic strength, they have distinct differences in their aging process and flavor profiles. As a sommelier and brewer, I appreciate the uniqueness of each rum and the craftsmanship that goes into their production.