Versailles El Dorado Single Still Versailles 2009 12yr 40%

"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."

"Wie auch schon beim EHP steht hier eine einigermaßen ordentliche Nase einem wässrigen und überverdünnten Gaumen gegenüber. Leider zu wenig Power, die noch am Gaumen ankommt. Hääte gerne etwas mehr gezahlt und dfür etwas mehr Power."

"Heute mal im Vergleich drei El Dorado von 2009. Port Mourant RX13844, Enmore RX13123 und Versailles RX14577. Leider sind alle auf 40% runter reduziert, sonst hätte etwas sehr gutes entstehen können. Mir persönlich etwas zu dünn. Ansonsten durchaus gelungene Abfüllungen für den Einstieg ins El Dorado Universum, wobei ich den El Dorado 12,15 oder 21 hier vorziehen würde."

"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."

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

"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."

"Molasses with 30% of light Versailles taste. Simple, but I love Guayana style"

"Port Mourant RX13844, Enmore RX13123 und Versailles RX14577 gegeneinander getestet. Leider zu dünn und zu teuer um mehr Punkte geben zu können, aber ein spannendes Tasting der verschiedenen El Dorados. Vielversprechende Nase, die am Gaumen enttäuschend schwach auf der Brust daher kommt. Hier stört mich der reduzierte Alkoholgehalt deutlich mehr, als bei seinen beiden Geschwistern."