Swell & Co. #14 Christopher Bellail Selection for Bar 1802

Tasted blind with some other TDLs (2002/2003s). After the first sniff, it was clear to me which was the 2000 TDL. The swell for Bar1802 is relatively restrained on the nose. There is a hint of mint, but wood and spices predominate. Reminds me strongly of the "Spanish" 2003 TDLs a la WDC or SoR from the February batch. With more time in the glass, the mint is pushed further and further into the background and chocolate and baking spices dominate. Oily on the palate, with lots of spices, woody, dried fruit. Not bad overall, but not my preferred TDL profile.

The third collaboration between Swell de Spirits and Bar 1802, this TDL surprises with its classy, contrasting profile. The nose is rather discreet at first, playing the refinement card with subtle pastry notes (almond, honey, a touch of candied fruit), some sweet spices (vanilla) and well-integrated oak. The fruit slowly builds in strength, with dried fruit (grapes) and yellow fruit (mango), but remains clearly in the background. The situation is reversed on the palate: there's an explosion of fruit, with peach, apricot, red berries, blackcurrant and guava in particular showing off on the palate. Spices heat up the mouth, while menthol arrives unexpectedly to offer a lovely sensory firework display. The profile is clearly more intense, and the alcohol remains well integrated despite a slight spiciness. The finish is long, with a warm, spicy, woody yet delicate aftertaste. The fruit and menthol come out of the woodwork, but the pastry side comes back to add extra sweetness. A very elegant TDL with a varied profile that will delight fans of the genre, further proof of the quality of the bottler's and bar's selection.

Durch die fehlende Minze in der Nase hätte ich blind nicht auf einen TDL getippt. Hier überwiegen Karamell, Gewürze und Holz. Im Gaumen zeigt sich die Minze dann aber doch in gewohnter Stärke mit Pfirsich, roten Früchten, Gewürzen und Holz. Im Abgang wieder Pfirsich-Eistee.

Delicious 2000 TDL. Rather more unusual profile with less wood and less menthol/camphor than similar representatives. Seems more like a 2003. Cassis, as well as apricot jam and gingerbread confectionery with salted caramel meet some mint here. Overall very tasty and balanced, but not a TDL highlight.

Tasting a samples of this Trinidad rum bottled by Swell de Spirits for Bar 1802. The nose is really delicious : fruits, honey, vanilla, caramel, almond, wood. Overall, kind of pastries. Palate gives fruits, mint, chili tones, honey, vanilla and wood. It hits warm and strong, we feel the alcohol before it becomes softer. Finish is long and gives many of the scents and flavours we had on n'ose and palate. This rum is a very good one :)

Another magnificent swell and the 1802, a different profile, with a very different attack and finish, a phenomenal, almost surprising evolution, from gourmand and caramelized to a mango and yellow fruit bomb.

A bit direct first. Then expanse ok. Kind of refreshing. Long final with texture