Silent Ambassador Corporación Alcoholes c.a.d.c 2005

Silent Ambassador bottled this single cask Venezuelan from Corporación Alcoholes, a 2005 vintage column-distilled from molasses and presented at full cask strength, 60%. Bottled without the softening the region is known for, it is a muscular, savoury take on Venezuelan rum that trades smoothness for power and depth.

The nose is heavy and aromatic, caramel alongside herbal and smoky notes. The palate is firmly savoury, herbal and peppery with tobacco and leather, more chewy and dry than the dessert-leaning Venezuelan norm. At this strength it demands a drop of water and rewards slow drinking. This is a bold, full-proof single cask a long way from the soft, honeyed style of brands like Diplomático, closer to a tannic, spirit-forward pour. One for experienced drinkers who want their Venezuelan rum at full strength and on the dry, leathery side rather than smooth and sweet.