El Dorado rum is not Jamaican rum. El Dorado rum actually comes from Guyana, a country located on the northern coast of South America. It is produced by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), a company that has a long history of rum production dating back to the 1670s.
Demerara rum, including El Dorado rum, is named after the Demerara River in Guyana, which has a rich history in the sugar industry. The rum is known for its deep and complex flavors, which are derived from the unique production methods used by DDL.
One of the key factors that sets Demerara rum apart is the use of traditional pot stills in the distillation process. These pot stills, which are made of copper, are known for producing a heavier and more flavorful spirit compared to column stills commonly used in other rum-producing countries. The use of pot stills gives Demerara rum its distinctive character and depth of flavor.
Another distinguishing feature of Demerara rum is the aging process. El Dorado rums are aged in oak casks, which allows them to develop a rich and complex taste profile over time. DDL has a range of different aged expressions, from the youngest 3-year-old rum to the highly sought-after 25-year-old rum. Each age statement offers a different level of maturity and complexity.
In addition to the aging process, DDL also uses a unique blending technique to create their rums. They carefully select and blend rums from different distilleries and different styles to achieve the desired flavor profile. This blending process allows DDL to create rums that are balanced, smooth, and full of character.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting various El Dorado rums from different age statements. Each rum has its own distinct flavor profile, ranging from rich toffee and caramel notes in the younger expressions to deep, dark chocolate and coffee flavors in the older ones. The rums also have a pleasant sweetness that is well-balanced by the oak aging and the underlying molasses flavors.
While El Dorado rum is not Jamaican rum, it is certainly a rum worth exploring for rum enthusiasts. Its unique production methods, aging process, and flavor profile make it a standout in the world of rum. Whether enjoyed neat or mixed into cocktails, El Dorado rums offer a taste of the rich history and craftsmanship of Demerara rum production.