Bumbu XO Rum, 70cl

Product Information

The brand was acquired this year by drinks giant Brown-Forman (owner of Jack Daniel’s), so expect to see much more of it in the future. This special release is distilled and aged in Panama, where we created a truly unique – and unquestionably superior – rum. The palate is quite savory and heavy with oak notes, brown/almost-burnt sugars, and more of that dense molasses.

Zacapa XO is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks and pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and desserts. Even more recent is Terroir Volcanique, a blend of three-year-old rums aged in new American oak barrels toasted to custom levels that is meant to highlight the terroir where the rhum is made. Appleton Estate master blender Joy Spence believes there should be two categories of rum: flavored rum (with sugar) and true rum (no sugar added).

The 4-year aging process of VSOP cognacs results in a product that is less complex, with fewer nuances and aromas.

The palate continues the light profile – vanilla is smoothed out over a dry, unsanded oak character. A strong sherry influence also permeates the aromatics, heavy and thick, in the Pedro Ximenez style. Of course it should be noted that age doesn’t necessarily equal quality, but a carefully matured rum brings layers of flavor and complexity that can rival any whiskey. There are some less expensive expressions to try like the Extra Viejo, and of course there are ultra-premium rums to sip as well.It seems like we are moving away from a branding- and marketing-centric model in favor of a more transparent model, much like in the world of mezcal, where new products are focused on highlighting terroir through single-producer bottles from specific regions. Xo rum is an excellent choice for a special occasion or when you want to enjoy a high-quality rum experience. VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Special Old Pale), and XO (Extra Old) are all used to refer to the age of a cognac. I read good review after good review for this rum and I have to say it doesn't live up to my hIgh expectations. A superb-looking decanter bottle of XO rum from Barbados, aged in bourbon barrels before being shipped to France for a secondary maturation in Cognac casks from the Ferrand house.