CDI Veneragua 2005

CDI Veneragua 2005 is a Compagnie des Indes blend, the respected French house run by Florent Beuchet, marrying Venezuelan and Nicaraguan rum from a 2005 vintage at thirteen years old. The split runs roughly sixty percent Venezuela to forty percent Nicaragua, both column distilled from molasses and matured in ex bourbon oak, bottled at 45% with no added sugar.

For a soft Spanish style rum this stays honest and unsweetened, which is part of its appeal. The nose leans on caramel, vanilla and a touch of pear, the palate brings toffee, caramel and light tobacco, and the finish turns drier with leather, tobacco and wood. The extra age gives it depth while the gentle profile keeps it easy to sip neat. It makes a sound stepping stone into unsweetened Spanish style rum, offering the familiar caramel and vanilla comfort without the sugar, all at a fair price.