The Dominican brand continues to surprise us with its barrel research. The surprises and new releases from the Dominican Republic just keep on coming.
Proof, if proof were needed, that Brugal wants to establish itself on the French market with its top-of-the-range, even luxury, rums. Cellar master Jassil Villanueva, 5th generation of the Brugal family, had already delighted us with the brand’s flagship: 1888, the fruit of double distillation in a copper column and double aging in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
Then, in 2023, Brugal launched its Colección Visionaria collection, a tribute to the Dominican terroir. For Edición 01, the rum underwent a finish of around six months in a new French oak barrel from Cognac, which was toasted for around 45 minutes-1 h with cocoa beans from San Francisco de Macoris. A new aromatic toasting technique exclusive to Brugal.
Flambéed barrels
With Maestro Reserva, Brugal offers us a luxury product, again based on cuvée 1888 “but using only American oak barrels. What’s more, a new stage has been added to the process. During ageing in ex-sherry casks, the rum is extracted and the cask, which is still full of Brugal rum, is flambéed, melting the residual sugars in the wood and transforming them into pearls of caramel. The rum is then reinjected for a further year’s ageing,” explains brand ambassador Léonard Gonzalez. This new technique is called “Flambage Aromatique”.
The long, complex process of maturing and refining in flambéed oak barrels makes Maestro Reserva an exceptional rum with delicate woody, caramelized notes, designed to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. And this autumn (for Whisky Live), Jassil Villanueva and his teams will continue to demonstrate Brugal’s mastery of aging techniques, with a new opus from the Colección Visionaria. “You’ll be able to discover a new cuvée involving another emblematic product of the Dominican terroir… Which won’t be cocoa!” confides Léonard. Wait and see.
Aromatic profile: Complex and woody. Aromas of red and dried fruits, sweet spices, vanilla and dark chocolate. Delicately woody finish with a bittersweet hint of caramelized brown sugar. Zero dosage, zero added coloring.
Brugal – Maestro Reserva
70 cl – 41,2 % – 185 €