Romdeluxe Collectors Series No. 16 2023

Collectors Series No. 16 is a RomDeluxe single cask, the Danish bottler's more serious line, drawn from a twelve year old Venezuelan distillate. Where much Venezuelan ron leans soft and sweet, this strips that back: one ex-bourbon barrel, no added sugar, bottled at a forceful 64.1%.

The result is a dry, oak driven take on Venezuelan molasses rum. The nose sets wood against caramel, vanilla and dried fruit, the palate turns peppery and woody with caramel and raisin, and the finish brings dark chocolate, roasted nut and a warming heat. There is a light smoky edge to the wood and enough structure to suit slow sipping, with a splash of water taming the strength. A contemplative, full proof Venezuelan for drinkers who want caramel and chocolate richness wrapped in a genuinely dry, spicy frame rather than sugar.