Velier Hoy Como Ayer 1956

Hoy Como Ayer 1956 comes from Velier, the Genoese house that is the most revered name in collectible rum, known for tropically aged, full proof, additive free single casks. This Cuban draws on the island's ron tradition but at a near unthinkable age, a 1956 vintage molasses rum bottled at cask strength after decades in oak. The nose is dense and brooding, chocolate, coffee, espresso and dried figs piling up in the glass.

The palate is rich and concentrated, cocoa, coffee and leather with a sweet core, finishing long and warm on milk chocolate, tobacco and allspice. The extreme age gives huge dark fruit, burnt caramel and roasted depth, and while it carries real sweetness, this is the product of time and oak as much as anything, a contemplative sipper rather than an everyday pour. It drinks as a slow, cigar friendly bottle for experienced palates who want the density and weight that only very old rum can offer.