In 2023, Venezuela’s oldest rum producer, Hacienda Santa Teresa, launched Speyside Cask End, the primary new expression underneath the Santa Teresa label in 30 years. Now Santa Teresa is including one more distinctive cask end to its lineup, Espresso Cask, and the backstory right here is much more elaborate. I’ll allow them to clarify.
Crafted with top-quality Arabica espresso beans, organically grown, roasted to a medium degree, and floor coarsely underneath the steerage of the model’s grasp distillers at Hacienda Santa Teresa, this single-estate masterpiece represents the primary Venezuelan rum ever completed in espresso casks. The manufacturing course of begins with the number of premium Arabica espresso beans, which then undergo a chilly brew course of with 4-year-old rums as an alternative of water. This chilly brew combination is positioned in chosen American white oak barrels, the place it rests for six months, permitting the barrel so as to add maturity and complexity whereas absorbing the wealthy espresso notes. On the finish of this era, the chilly brew is extracted, and Santa Teresa 1796, as soon as it’s undergone its triple growing older course of by way of the distinctive Solera methodology, is launched to the coffee-infused barrels. This last step, lasting three months, permits the rum to accumulate refined notes of espresso.
So, there you have got it. One other bold rum from Santa Teresa and completely timed with the latest pattern in espresso cocktails. Let’s test it out.
There’s no hiding the traditional Santa Teresa on the nostril with its wealthy, toasted sugar sweetness, mild nuttiness, and plush wine-soaked notes. It takes time to tease out, however the espresso cask is there on the fringes with a dusting of cocoa powder and a little bit of café con leche. The ending is way extra obvious on the palate with early notes of chocolate-covered espresso beans complimented by silky Demerara syrup and clove. Baking spice builds on the midpalate, giving option to gently bitter espresso grounds, darkish baking chocolate, and tart darkish cherry earlier than a well-spiced end of burnt sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla bean. It’s a bolder taste profile than the inaugural Speyside Cask however not with out appreciable charms. One other winner from Santa Teresa. Now, the place can I get a few of this rum chilly brew?
92 proof.
A- / $60
Santa Teresa 1796 Arabica Espresso Cask End
$60
