La Maison & Velier’s Transcontinental Rum Line (aka TCRL) is again with new editions, and in contrast to the 2023 bottlings, these usually are not single cask releases. (Many of those releases are offered at a a lot decrease proof, too — and so they’re priced extra affordably because of this.) Whereas not single cask releases, they’re nonetheless classic dated and, as such, restricted in nature.
As a reminder, these are named as a result of they’re created in two components of the world: Initially aged within the tropics, then transported to Europe earlier than bottling (some that includes extra abroad getting old). As traditional, availability is extraordinarily variable so that you’ll want to buy round to seek out them.
Right here’s all the small print (and our ideas) in your rum-sipping pleasure. All are 700ml bottles.
Transcontinental Rum Line Panama 2015 – Molasses rum distilled on a column nonetheless, aged 6 years in Panama in American oak and bottled in France. Recent and really tropical on the nostril, heavy on overripe pineapple and touched with a light-weight slick of baking spices to again it up. Ample vanilla, caramel, and a few mild, golden raisin notes emerge rapidly. The palate is nice however refreshing, once more fairly tropical whereas showcasing some citrus within the combine, virtually lemony on the end. Energetic with a touch of almond and mocha on the end, this feels tailored for a mai tai. 86 proof. A / $50
Transcontinental Rum Line Mauritius 2017 – Column-distilled molasses, aged 3 years in Mauritius. Closely spiced on the nostril, and fairly laden with wooden, giving it a dusky fragrant profile. A toasty assault on the palate rapidly offers technique to a funkier character, vegetal and inexperienced, with a distinctly savory edge. If not for the coconut- and sesame-infused sweetness, one could be confused whether or not this was a rum in any respect. Mint emerges later alongside some well-browed butter, however the end could be very drying and tannic. An oddball, however not unenjoyable, expertise. 100 proof. B / $55
Transcontinental Rum Line Barbados 2015 – A mix of pot and Coffey nonetheless molasses rum, aged 5 years in Barbados and 1 in Europe. Balanced and well-rounded, this rum props up ample, buttery sweetness on each nostril and palate, showcasing a wholesome vanilla cream high quality, chocolate sauce, and a end that evokes raisins and spice. Surprisingly tame at 55% abv, maybe too easygoing, even, with a little bit of a cinnamon roll high quality to spherical issues out on the end. 110 proof. A- / $70
Transcontinental Rum Line Australia 2014 – Pot nonetheless molasses rum, aged in bourbon barrels for five years and completed in a Cognac foudre in France for two extra years. Wealthy and dusky on the nostril, the top-note aromas evoke incense and seductive florals matched with austere notes of outdated libraries, wooden paneling, and oiled leather-based. It’s fairly a mix, alternately nutty and spicy, inviting you proper in. The palate encompasses a fruitier part, raisins and figs mingling with the enduring notes of jasmine and dried flowers. It’s a bit biting, nonetheless, on the end, the place a major tannin dominates amidst ample notes of wooden polish and a few eucalyptus. 96 proof. B+ / $55
Transcontinental Rum Line Jamaica 2016 – Basic Jamaican pot distillate of molasses. Aged 4 years in Jamaica, then 1 extra 12 months in Europe. Bottled at cask power. Aggressive hogo, as anticipated, pours on aromas of overripe pineapple, burnt peaches, and brown banana — with loads of warmth to again it up. The one rum on this assortment I actually noticed as needing of water, just a few drops helps tame a scorched palate, and calm any industrial flavors, permitting all that tropical fruit to shine — particularly the pineapple. A light-weight be aware of peppermint late within the sport spices up the end and works nicely alongside lingering notes of espresso. 114.36 proof. A- / $70
Transcontinental Rum Line Excessive Seas – TRCL’s first multi-island mix, together with tropically aged rum from Panama, unaged high-ester inventory from Jamaica, and unaged high-ester grand arome from Martinique. The minimal use of wooden right here lets all that ultra-fruity high-ester rum shine, and the mix is on level. Large banana and inexperienced apple notes on the nostril roll proper right into a fruit medley on the palate, a mixture of banana, cherry, and apple laced with coconut, espresso, and allspice. Contact of hogo on the end, however nothing you possibly can’t deal with. Immersive, balanced, and versatile. One among my favorites of this batch, and a fantastic worth. 90 proof. A / $35
Transcontinental Rum Line Excessive Seas
$35
