Destileria Carupano Ron Carúpano Antique Reserves XO

Destileria Carupano is one of Venezuela's older houses, and its Antique Reserves XO is a soft, mellow extra anejo in the dessert leaning Spanish style the country is known for. The spirit is built for smoothness, with the cask doing the heavy lifting over a light base.

The profile is rich and rounded throughout. Sweet chocolate, dried fruit and a woody depth open the nose, leading into a palate of oak, caramel and a nutty softness, with vanilla, more chocolate and nuttiness carrying into the finish. It is the kind of warm, after dinner Venezuelan ron that leans toward sweet rather than dry. At 40% it is easy and approachable, with the sugar status undeclared and the overall character clearly on the smooth, confectionery side. A comfortable sipper for drinkers who enjoy the gentle, chocolate rich end of the style.