Versailles El Dorado Single Still Versailles 2009

A very warm nose with cedar wood, plum, black licorice and dried fruit. The palate is soft and very aromatic, with cedar, black licorice (sweet), dried fruit and a taste of roast veal. I feel transported to my grandmother's kitchen and I'm sucking on black vanilla. The finish is long, with a very elegant woodiness and all the other aromas gently fading away. The empty glass also smells of old leather, vegetal and slightly bitter. A very fine rum, very drinkable and very rich in aromas, even if one could dream of an ABV a little higher.

Well I was very exited to try those single still releases… this is exactly what I would hope for DDL released on a larger scale (and hopefully at a half reasonable price). All three show the common characteristics you would expect and love about DDL‘s stills. No need for blended in the barrel / finishes / obscure leftover casks. Unfortunately, the reduction to 40% ABV is basically a crime against humanity 🙈 While the noses are surprisingly intense, on the palate all three releases are way to thin to deliver the profile competently. Nevertheless all seem in a good place after 12 years of tropical aging and as there are also limited higher ABV bottles available there is a chance for genuinely amazing OB release from DDL in the future. Fingers crossed.

As with the EHP, a reasonably decent nose contrasts with a watery and overdiluted palate. Unfortunately, not enough power on the palate. I would have gladly paid a little more for a little more power.

Today we compare three El Dorado from 2009. Port Mourant RX13844, Enmore RX13123 and Versailles RX14577. Unfortunately, they are all reduced to 40%, otherwise something very good could have emerged. A little too thin for me personally. Otherwise, quite successful bottlings for an introduction to the El Dorado universe, although I would prefer the El Dorado 12,15 or 21 here.

Im Vergleich zu den anderen Single Stills für mich der bessere. Die süßlichen Trockenfrüchte überdenken ein wenig, dass man sich eigentlich mehr % wünscht. trotzdem fragwürdiger Preis. Herausragend ist er nämlich auch nicht

Quick taste at the Rhumfest. Once again, I have trouble understanding the El Dorado "policy". It sells for twice the price of the 15ans. Basically a good Versailles, very roasted, with burnt sugar and crème brulée but reduced to 40%. It's perfect for discovering a simple still without raising the alcohol content, but the price isn't quite right. And for the connoisseur who wants the typical Versailles product, the price won't get in the way, but the rum clearly lacks intensity... In short, it's a good rum that's easily accessible, but if you're not a Guyana specialist, you'll take a 15-year-old without hesitation to treat yourself at a nice price, and if you're a hard-core enthusiast, you'll pass on it because you'll be missing something.

Interesting that there is very little of the classic Versailles profile here. Instead, rich sweetness of maple syrup and dark caramel. Interesting, on the other hand a pity that the typical pencil shavings note does not come to life here and the 2009 series with the different distilleries in the name thus does not serve as an entry point in this case. Apart from that, very drinkable, not uninteresting, although overall rather straightforward.

Guyana is definitely in there, but too light for my taste at 40%. It certainly tastes good, but it's more for (Guyana) beginners.

Today, we're testing the three single stills from El Dorado in their 40% versions. This one is a tiny bit darker than the other two. On the nose, this VSG opens with fruity notes, I'm thinking of plum or ripe black and red fruits, but not really prune yet. There are also spices, and everything is coated in a very cooked caramel. On the palate, it's pleasantly fruity, already more on the prune side, with a bit of vanilla and a very subtle licorice in the background. There are also some cooking spices. The oak is very light, and there's really no grip; it's easy to drink. The finish is short, with hints of wood and dried fruits, and also some spices. The rum is pleasant, but again, the lack of grip doesn't justify its price. It's not a carnage like the Enmore, but we're not going to fly too high. In any case, I'm glad I was able to compare it to the other two.

Nose is disappointing - somehow subdued. The attack is nice ! Strong. But overall lack of depth and complexity. Also a bit of a short finish. Would benefit from being 15 degrees stronger and from the cask

This one is the weakest of the three 2009 El Dorade single still rums for me. It’s quite boring and lacking complexity. The barrel is very present and leads to a dry bitterness. Maybe some more vol% would have helped but I am underwhelmed.

Much too effete for me. Caramelized, sweet, woody. But without much character.

Auch hier ein richtig schöner El Dorado in 40%, wiegesagt nicht zu vergleichen mit den Fassstärken aber für 40% erstaunlich gut!

Was expecting more. Really has been made to be a super approachable Versailles still rum. Lacks a lot of the typical notes and feels wholly underpowered. Not a bad rum per say but just not excellent. Nose is sweet and fruity, mouth more expressive with prune and spice. Finish short and sweet with camel, leather and wood

Dégusté à la suite du Eldorado port mourant, celui ci me plaît plus même si assez peu complexe. Nez très léger, un peu de caramel. Attaque assez franche, pâtissière puis plus sur le chocolat très noir. S'évanouit trop vite