STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND
Typically, I have been trying to save these “life update” posts while I review something from the Exceptional Cask Selection from Foursquare. Alas, I do not have one of those bottles. I do, however, have the amazing Second Edition 1931 from St. Lucia Distillers. I picked it up in Vienna, Austria as my “travel bottle” to help cut costs as I travel abroad. Ultimately, $60 for a bottle is much, much cheaper than spending $10-$13 a drink at a bar a couple of times a week.
As I sit with a glass of 1931 in hand, I want to express somethings that I have learned over the last 8 weeks abroad. I knew when I embarked on this journey, there was going to be a lot of culture shock and a lot of self-revelations as my adventure progressed from city to city. The most overwhelming for a while was the time I spent in Amsterdam. It is a very, very fast-paced city and you need to keep your head on a swivel the moment you step out your door and onto a sidewalk. I will cover that in a future post.
Other than that, I can honestly say that to my fellow English-speaking Americans: We. Are. Spoiled. Just about everyone that I encountered in Holland, Switzerland (I stayed in the predominately Italian-speaking region of Tocino), Vienna, Prague, and Lithuania, everyone speaks English incredibly well. That’s not to say that there were not some language barriers and miscommunication; but damn, it is hard to feel “lost” in these cities. I am sure that would change the further out from these cities you get, but I did not have that kind of time.
The toughest experience thus far, however, has transpired over the past week. To round out the trip, Erika and I decided to step outside of our comfort zone and partake in a work exchange program in Germany. For those unaware, a work exchange program is what you might guess. In exchange for room and board, you help your host family with whatever tasks that they might have for you during your time with them. Whether it be one week or one year. The family we are staying in Northern Germany is located just outside the town of Stavenhagen in a small farming village with a population of 25.
And wow, talk about being out of your element. There is nothing easy about being thrown into a family of people you do not know and live a lifestyle you thought you understood, but as it turns out, you know nothing about it. It is the simple cultural differences that on paper are no big deal; in practice, however, it makes a world of difference. And those differences can lead to embarrassment, frustration, and self-doubt quick. Everything from feeling scrutinized for cutting the morning loaf of bread too thick, peeling a potato, and how much water is too much water when doing the dishes. Something you kind of chuckle to yourself about because every pot and pan gets used for every meal and the dishwasher runs four times a day.
The biggest act that makes you feel very small is when they carry out their normal daily routine and speak to each other in their language. It makes you feel like you are all alone in a world that you do not belong. It is a very eye-opening experience to how we (I) have treated immigrants who struggle with the English language in America. Not that I have ever been cruel or dismissive; but you cannot begin to understand, and I mean understand the level of intimidation and self-doubt you can feel trying to convey something very simple to someone, have it lost in translation, and in turn, mess up a project. They have not been very vocal and very relaxed in their direction as to what they expect from us on any given day. It is very…infuriating to be told to take on a task and be given little to no direction on how to do it. As I said; little differences.
And this family has been infinitely patient this us. What a humbling experience in humility.
This is not an arbitrary exercise or passive-aggressive attitude towards us as individuals or as Americans. This is a sink-or-swim learning opportunity. They are not coddling us as children and we are being forced to act like adults who want to learn. You learn by dropping your ego of who you think you are and what you think you know and ask questions. Embrace your discomfort and learn something new. That it is okay not to know as long as you use it as an opportunity to make yourself better.
I am disappointed in myself that I did not realize this right away, but I guess that is the point. Only once I allowed myself to step away from my ego and truly look at what is going on around me did everything start to click. Not that I agree with how they do everything in their life; but this is the way of living for yourself. The lessons are hard. Intentional living is hard.
ST. LUCIA DISTILLERS 1931
SECOND EDITION 2012
As I stated above; I picked up this 2nd Edition bottling of 1931 from St. Lucia Distillers (now branded under the Chairman’s Reserve label as of 2019). The 1931 line is denoted to celebrate the anniversary of Dennery and Roseau Distilleries merger and became St. Lucia Distillers Group of Companies; the soul producer of rum on the island of St. Lucia and responsible for brands such as Chairman’s Reserve, Admiral Rodney, Bounty, and many others.
This express of the 1931 line is comprised of distillate from both column and pot stills from 2004, 2005, and 2006. Based on my understanding; the breakdown of the distillates follows as:
- 2004 – 100% Coffey/Column Still rum aged exclusively in port pipes
- 2005 – 100% Pot Still rum aged in exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels
- 2006 – 50/50 blend of Coffey/pot still rums aged in ex-bourbon barrels
Once all three components have reached maturity, they are blended and re-barreled in ex-bourbon barrels for an additional three months before being proofed down to 43% abv and bottled on the 25th of July, 2012.
APPEARANCE
The bottle itself is very visually striking. Sold in a squat, squared decanter style bottle with a heavy wood cork stopper. The 2nd Edition is recognized with a light purple label with a large “1931” on the center of the label. There is an additional gold wrapper around the neck of the bottle denoting “81 Years” in gold lettering.
The rum itself is a deep copper color with a slightly maroon tinge when held to the light giving the impression that the bulk of the blend is comprised of distillate that was aged in the port pipes.
AROMA
Nosing from a Glencairn glass; the aromas that rise first are very warm and earthy. Notes of fresh baked brown bread are the first to make their way to the forefront. Next is a subtle sweetness of rock candy. More earthy character pushes through the sweetness. Tobacco and a slightly sulfur forward molasses begin to dominate and overwhelm. Before the aroma can be considered “muddled”, slight aromas of citrus and menthol add a slight accent.
PALATE
Given all of the components that went into this blend; it honestly is not that complex. There is a hint of that funky St. Lucia rum character that can be detected on the initial sips. After that; the rum is mostly spice forward. Cinnamon, clove, and perhaps a touch of cayenne. There is also something slightly familiar and reminiscent of the cedar wood from a recently emptied cigar box.
BODY
Full-bodied. Perhaps this is where the pot still in the blend shines? There is a definite heft to this rum and it weighs on the palate. This is something where small sips can go a long way.
FINISH
Now we are getting somewhere. The port pipes come through again and it is a shame that it has to be on the tail-end of the experience. Beautiful, ripe plums are the most noticeable. Next is the sweet and tart flavors of blackberries and a bitter-vegetal note of green bell peppers. The flavors continue endlessly and add a nice balance to the weight of the rum on the palate.
OVERALL
An enjoyable experience; but not a fantastic experience. The palate for me is a bit muted, but the aromas and finish on this go on forever. For me; that is a completely acceptable trade-off. Anyone who has ever been around me while I drink knows I spend most of the time huffing my glass anyway. With that said; for the price point, I highly recommend this bottle for anyone looking to add a premium bottle to your collection. Regardless of your experience with rum or spirits in general. There is a lot of art that went into this blend and lack of additives makes it a must for the aficionados and the subtle flavors on the palate make it an ideal stepping stone for a novice.
