DESCRIPTION
The Beenleigh Distillery was founded in 1884 and it is Australia’s oldest operating distillery. Located in Queensland, the on north-eastern coast of the country, it is in the heart of an area known for its plantations of sugar cane. The history of Beenleigh forms part of the heritage of Australian rum, including being an historical supplier of the British Royal Navy. Today, it’s one of last traditional distilleries in the world still unknown in European markets.
Beenleigh produces its rums from local water and molasses. It’s a Single Blended rum, but in an original, ‘reverse’ way: distillation first takes place with continuous single columns and then in pot still. This pot still is called ‘The Old Copper’ and it’s a vat still similar to the old Demerara ones. The rums are then aged in large wooden vats and also in ex-bourbon barrels.
Alongside its official bottlings, Beenleigh started a relationship with La Maison & Velier and the first releases are two very special rums, unique in the scope of the Australian rum heritage. Beenleigh has two warehouses: a first one located close to the distillery and a second one in the South of the country, in Renmark in the Barossa valley, a semi-desertic environment.
This version was distilled in single column and redistilled in the distillery’s pot still in August and September 2013. This rum has been aged in ex–bourbon barrels, in the tropical climate of the Beenleigh warehouse, with a total angel’s share of more than 25% and bottled overproof at 59% abv.
Warm and sharp.
TASTING NOTES
Nose : Fruity and lively. Passion fruit, noble wood, guava, jasmin, ripe melon and vanilla.
Palate : Powerful and spicy. Ginger, pomegranate paste, fig and cardamom.
Overall : Long and firm. Balm, cherry, black tulip, liquorice, candied apricot and almond.
