Discover the Bold And Mellow Tastes of Brugal 1888 Doblemente Anejado
Brugal 1888 Doblemente Anejado is a molasses-distilled industrial rum with a focus on softness, ease of drinking, a subtle spiciness, and lots of vanilla. It is the intermediate product of this historic Santo Domingo distillery; it does not seek to be the definitive distillate, but rather to compete with the competition and a slew of sweet and plump rums like Matusalem Gran Reserva 15, Don Papa 7, and Kraken. It is priced at 33-40 euros.
However, unlike the Kraken, this Brugal seeks cleanliness and measure; it does not go too far, and even after double aging, it is not trivialized by the wood, retaining its precise and still credible aromatic dimension. It’s not particularly deep, but it’s adequate for a casual drink.
How it is created
Following the distillation of a molasses-based raw material, it is aged first in ex Bourbon barrels to enhance the fruity and vanilla sensations, and then in ex-Sherry Oloroso barrels to enhance the spice, red fruit, and oxidized notes of dried fruit. 8 years in ex-Bourbon barrels and 6 years in Jerez wine barrels.
Organoleptic characteristics
The end result is proportionate, stylized, and colorful, a little pedestrian and banal, but overall discrete.
If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, you’ll notice that this production formula is the same one used by the Scots to make single malt, because it ensures a malleable, easily replicable, and highly reliable product.
The raw material does not have to be a high-quality distillate; the wood and refinement are much more important in shaping the alcohol like clay.
In any case, the bouquet is enveloping and warm, and it is beautifully designed. It begins with citrus fruits in syrup, cinnamon as if it were raining, followed by the ripe and decadent tones of sherry with roasted dates, pear with Port and walnuts, hazelnuts that frame all the medicinal aromas of sherry.
On the palate, it’s soft and slightly peppery, with a strong buttery and spicy kick. The final notes of cola and pepper are lost in classic marsala flavors. Body and length are adequate but not exceptional.
The main issue is that it lacks personality; it is a predictable rum dosed in every little detail. It doesn’t have great cues, and it doesn’t have a specific alcoholic boost, but it does have a perfect blend of aromas, flavors, and docility.
In its genre, it is a good rum; however, among all the bottles available, it does not stand out and does not rise above the average, so place it in the wild pile and consider it a decent and seductive rum, but nothing more.
Price
34 euros is a reasonable price.
Pairings
To try with chocolate and cocoa desserts or chocolate salami, apple pie, or mud cake.