As the rum category continues to grow, so does the portfolio of the producers. One of the fastest-growing labels on the market right now is that of The Real McCoy. As many of you probably realize that this point, I am a huge fan of this brand that falls under the Foursquare umbrella. This “Prohibition Era” really hits the sweet spot for me on multitude levels. In particular; flavor, affordability, and availability…for now.
Typically, you will find anyone of the three flagship rums of the line (3yr, 5yr, and a 12yr) on just about every retailer shelf now with the oldest marque not setting you back more than $50 a bottle. A genuine steal when you consider the DNA of The Real McCoy line. In a previous review, I covered an extension of the line with the 5yr Distiller’s Edition; which is the standard line bottled at a higher proof. However; once a year, The Real McCoy will release a limited-edition bottling. Over the past few years, these have varied in pricing and availability and features very interesting experimentation in Foursquare’s blending and barrel program.
The marque in question that I am taking a look at today once again comes courtesy of The Real McCoy Brand Ambassador Joshua Perez.
In 2016 The Real McCoy released a limited edition 12-year-old rum into the market. This release was blended with a higher ratio of pot to column still distillate and was then matured in two separate batches. One batch would spend the next 12 years aging (what I assume) is first fill bourbon barrels. The second batch would go on to be aged 12 years as well in ex-Madeira barrels. From there, Master Distiller/Blender/Alchemist Richard Seale blends the two batches until the desired profile is achieved*. It is then bottled at a respectable 46% abv with no added sugar, flavor or artificial colors.
*Note: From what I can find, this marque is blended 90/10 bourbon to Madeira cask.
APPEARANCE
The bottle design itself is the same as the rest of The Real McCoy line; however, the limited edition label is bone white with an embossed gold 12 on the front along with a gold band highlighting that this indeed a limited edition bottling.
The rum is very dark in appearance. Even held up to the light, it boasters a heavy caramel appearance with deep burnt orange highlights.
AROMA
The nose on this is big, rich, and as seductive as the smell of fresh baked goods when you go to look at a house to buy. Roasted hazelnut jumps from the glass first and is quickly outpaced by the rich bourbon aromatic of charred oak. The charred wood tempers to the warm scent of worn leather and matured tobacco leaf. Beneath the heavy bouquet, you find some subtle sweetness in the way of ripe banana and torched brown sugar. How do I get this as a cologne?
PALATE
Decadent, home-made confectionery treats lead the way. Freshly made caramel and vanilla beans hammer the palate. It is a little tough to fight through the rich flavor at first. However, after further sips, the caramel transitions into brown butter sautéed pineapples and then fleshy mango.
BODY
Perplexing. This rum doesn’t seem to have the body or mouthfeel you would expect it to have so far. It toes the line of medium/medium-lite and almost has a juice-like consistency to it.
FINISH
As the flavors of the rum settle on the palate, notes from the barrel char are the most prominent. Not in an acrid or bitter way; but more of a burnt marshmallow and heavily toasted coconut. The charred sugars are quickly overrun by the spicy character of the barrels, however. The spices are savory and hotter than the typical baking spices or even ginger spice that I typically get on the finish. As the heat dies down, hints of rooibos tea and candied lemon zest complete a very long and complex finish.
OVERALL
What a bold rum. Quite honestly, I found that bourbon barrels to have a lot more to say than the virgin oak in the Real McCoy 10yr L.E. My only criticism is in the body and mouthfeel of the rum. The “juiciness” makes the rum feel like it is at a lower proof than it actually is and doesn’t mesh well with the flavor profile. That being said; I have also been drinking a lot of higher proof spirits as of late. So perhaps this is more an issue of personal perception than that of rum itself. Again, I cannot that Josh enough for helping make this review possible. He told me that this is one of his personal favorites and I can see why. I look forward to getting to know The Real McCoy 14yr follow up to this release.
